Engine wont start after headgasket repair. help!

[mrpyb]

My dad just rebuilt his 96 outback engine after 190k with new HG, water pump, etc. He has everything back together and now the car won't start. I'll list what we have tried to get it started and I would love some input to help get it running!
The car has great compression (145psi) in all cylinders.
Timing is good as shown by compression. ^
All cylinders have spark.
Wouldn't start when we tried spraying starting fluid in the intake.
Fuel is good for sure to before filter and gas tank has pressure.
And I think everything is hooked up :wink:

So that is what we know and would love some input as to what you guys might think. Took plugs out after trying to turn it over and couldn't smell or feel gas on them and thats where we are now.
Thanks!

[parkcityboyx]

all sensors set? everything with wires and plugs perfect? voltage?

with my 96 i had an extremely difficult time figuring out why my engine wasnt starting after a rebuild, checked every last thing that we possibly could, except the timing because our mechanic swore on his life that it was right. yet it wasnt. so then we fixed the timing and it started. but if your saying that your timing notches and marks are all set then all the other things that we checked were...

-ignitor(connects the ECM to the coil)
-crank sensor
-cam sensor
-all other sensors
-coil
-plugs
-checked voltage of EVERYTHING
-ECM
-battery terminals and corrosion haha

and the list goes on.


i mean we checked everything. i had a starting problem, and it ended up being something completely simple and right in front of my face. I REALLY hope that is how yours will end up. maybe this helped maybe it didnt. but i cant wait to see what it is that is causing this for ya :grin: GOOD LUCK!

[nipper]

145 psi is not great compression, especially after a HG job. Factory spec is 180. the #1 reason a sooby wont start after a HG job is the timing belt is out of time. It is a common thing, and at that low compression that is what I would check.


http://www.endwrench.com, look in the archives in the engine section for specifics.


nipper

[Airgne]

i 2nd the low comp on the engine. it probly of a few teeth. factory specs on a 2.2 na are 154-186psi for comp. ur 96 will have about the same.

[ouch1011]

3rd on the low compression/timing off.

[mrpyb]

145 psi is not great compression, especially after a HG job. Factory spec is 180. the #1 reason a sooby wont start after a HG job is the timing belt is out of time. It is a common thing, and at that low compression that is what I would check.


http://www.endwrench.com, look in the archives in the engine section for specifics.


nipper
couldn't find anything here without paying. does anyone know where I could find a specific factory compression range for the 96 2.5? going out now to recheck everything and verify timing.

[Airgne]

137-175psi comp for phaseII ej25. check all wires and the timing marks.

[mrpyb]

thanks for that brandon! i'll keep ya updated.