B16 Swap Crank No Start Diagnosis Help

CaptainJochem

Respected
Hello all!

I have recently swapped a B16A2 motor into my Coupe and everything went well until I tried to fire it up. It does crank and everything seems to be fine, but the motor isn't firing up and I've checked everything I could think of but am a little stuck. I'll note everything I can about the engine and the swap to help you guys try to diagnose my problem!

So, I have a 1994 EJ2 Civic Coupe with an American VIN and it came originally with a D15B7 (OBD1).

I have purchased a 1993 Del Sol with a Japanese VIN and it came with a B16A2 (OBD1).

I fly as an airline pilot here in Europe and have therefore taken my time with the swap. I started by taking out the B16 from the Sol and all of the components needed for the swap. The main issue with the engine when I bought it was a blown head gasket. I took off the head and and replaced the head gasket. I made sure that every surface was cleaned, smooth, and flat. I took my head to a specialist to have it professionally smoothened and checked for warpage and it came back ready to be put back onto the block. I put new head bolts in and torqued down the head onto the block with the correct specifications. I then also changed the pressure plate, clutch, throwout bearing, timing belt, tensioner, waterpump and many other gaskets on the head and oil pan.

After all of this mini 'rebuilding' I put the motor back together and swapped it into my Coupe along with the Del Sol's CV axles, brakes, and front arms. I used the wiring loom of the Del Sol and used it's ECU as well. The Coupe came originally with a P06 ECU and now it has a P30.

When I tried to turn the engine over with my hand it felt fine, nothing was making contact and I was able to have many rotations without problems. I even heard the cylinders making compression. However, when I turned the key for the first time it would just crank, and crank, and crank with no fire up. I checked, to what I believe, everything. I have spark coming out of the wires and it is firing at the spark plugs. My fuel pump works and it does deliver fuel into the cylinder. My timing marks are correct, and I am more sure of this since I was able to turn it over with the hand.

I do get an engine warning light and it stays solid. I cannot get the code as I do not know how (embarrassed to admit that). When the engine turns it sounds almost as if it is cranking slower than it should, but not too much slower. I realize that if there is no compression the crank would be much faster, and I'm 95% sure this isn't the case with me.

I realize this is A LOT of information, but I want to try to give you everything to help me diagnose the problem. Any ideas or anybody else been through something similar?

Like I said, I fly around a lot and am almost never home so anything would be appreciated so that I can try to fix this problem with the limited time that I have.

Thank you all in advance!

Jochem
 

CaptainJochem

Respected
Jump the 2P service connector above the ECU to pull the CEL codes.

Does the engine get fuel and bright spark?

Is the mechanical timing correct?

Have you compression tested the cylinders?
And by jumping how would I do that exactly? I assume you mean the green connector?

The engine does receive fuel and the spark is a very bright white/blue.

Mechanical timing is correct.

I have not done a compression test yet, will try that tomorrow. Do you happen to know what the compression should read?
 


CaptainJochem

Respected
Use a paper clip to connect the two connector pins together. Post a picture of the connector and its two wires if you are unsure.

Also check for swapped sensor connectors.
Ok, so I did the diagnosis and it turns out that the timing was a little off. Put the timing belt back properly and now I have better compression but it still won't start. Any further advice? My engine is getting everything it needs so I really don't understand why it isn't starting?
 


JiggaMonsta808

New Member
Check your mechanical timing again. If it is off it won't start and is your ecu in good working order?


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daperez13

Respected
1st off, don't be sorry about not knowing something. No one knows everything. Other people provide a lot less information and expect us to give them all the answers; they're lazy and don't want to do the research.

An engine needs air, fuel, spark and compression to run. First, check compression. Get yourself a manual and perform a proper compression test, compare the results to the specifics given in it and post them here. If you don't have compression, then air goes out the window.

Second, check spark - I believe you sated earlier that spark is good. It should be bright with a hint of blue and evident (not weak).

Next check fuel - make sure your fuel pump is priming and that you have fuel pressure. Make sure the injectors are actually working, pull one or two out and make sure they're spraying. Check all your fuses too.

You should check timing again, it doesn't hurt. But also make sure to check your firing order. I believe this is it:

Lastly, Spray a little starter fluid in the intake, sometimes, they need a little help.
 


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