1G Engine won't turn over

[laser'92]

1992 Plymouth Laser. When we try to start it, the starter clicks once and then nothing. The crankshaft timing mark is about an inch away from where it should be. Is it possible that this is why the car isn't turning over? We try to turn it that last inch but no matter what it will not budge. We messed with the ignition timing a bit and it started to turn over once but never quite got there.

 

[Eroe12]

Can you crank the engine by hand (i.e. stick a 1/2" drive into the crank pulley and rotate the engine)?

If so, put the engine at top dead center, and make sure the timing is correct.

If the engine was running before, check to make sure the battery cables are tight, I know that sounds stupid, but my dsm will not start on loose battery cables... the starter just clicks.

 

[OsirisFool]

eh you need to make sure the crank shaft timing marks line up at the same time the camshaft marks line up

 

[laser'92]

The crankshaft refuses to turn anymore. The car was sitting for a few months so we think the engine may have locked. Because it didn't sieze up when running, should i check for lack of oil or should i check for other fluid in there?

 

[brandonwh64]

The crankshaft refuses to turn anymore. The car was sitting for a few months so we think the engine may have locked. Because it didn't sieze up when running, should i check for lack of oil or should i check for other fluid in there?

Could be that your timing is so far off that one of the cylinders has came in contact with the valves and that has it in a bind. is your timing belt look ok?

 

[laser'92]

Could be that your timing is so far off that one of the cylinders has came in contact with the valves and that has it in a bind. is your timing belt look ok?

I'm starting to think that this is what's happened. The timing belt is almost right. Everything lines up except the crankshaft which is off by about an inch and it won't go any farther. If it is the cylinders and valves is it a lost cause or is it possible to fix if there's no damage?

The car was not running when this happened so that gives me hope that there wasn't much if any damage. We were planning in taking the head off today or tomorrow. If it is the cylinders and valves any advice??

 

[brandonwh64]

I would take the head off and inspect the valves, then buy a cometic gasket, timing belt, mechanical tensioner, and water pump to do your 60K maintenance. then do a proper timing job. The link below has tons of "How-to's" to get the job done.

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