I recently had the death rattle that turned into a messy timing chain replacement job. I am pretty handy so I did the job myself. Replaced timing chain and related parts. Put everything back together and when trying to start the car "One Click" that's it. So, I just replaced the starter this pass weekend and still just "One Click" when trying to start the engine. Any idea? Any service reset codes? Anything?

 

The battery blew. Try replacing it. Somewhere I read that messing with the car can trigger the battery into retirement.

 

Sorry I didn't post it. But I also placed a new battery in the car. All I get is "One Click"

 

You sure you checked to make sure you removed all the locking parts (cam, flywheel, etc.)? And the starter is lined up in the exact same position, tooth-wise to the flywheel, as when you removed it?

 

Yes I removed the locking tools to do the Timing Chain. Starter is lined up. I still don't know what is keeping the car from starting. Just one click.

 

Contacted a dealer that is over an hour away. They said it could be the oil pump or the valcuum pump locking up and that the crank shaft should be able to turn with a socket wrench.


First I tried to turn the crank shaft. Turning clockwise it got to a point and stopped. Then turning it counter clockwise it almost completed one turn and then stopped. Each time reaching a point that discontinues movement. Then I took off the oil pump and turning the crank shaft it only got to the same point. Lastly, I then took off the vacuum pump and again it only got to the same point.


Any ideas of what to check next? What would stop the crank shaft from turning past a certain point?

 

The only things I can imagine are that part of the flywheel locking tool sheared off and is jamming the flywheel or something fell into one of the cylinders and is blocking the pistons from completing their movements. Or the starter teeth have somehow gotten chewed up so they only rotate a little with the flywheel and then lock up. I guess check each cylinder and make sure nothing has fallen in with a borescope, check the starter, and go from there.

 

Locking pin was removed during the timing chain install. Your idea of something in the cylinder not allowing the pistons to complete the rotation is a great idea. Is there an easy way to check this or do I have to take the cylinder head off. If so how hard is it to take off?


The starter I took off the did not have chewed up teeth. I installed a new one anyway.


Thanks for the help

 

The easiest way would be to remove a spark plug, then drop something like this ( ) into the cylinder through that hole. It'll give you a somewhat blurry idea of if there's anything in there blocking the cylinder. I'm sure you can find cheaper ones, or maybe you can rent one from your local auto parts store or rental equipment company. I've used one that hooks to a usb on a laptop when i was trying to rebuild the engine in my truck. You'll need a special spark plug socket, waymotorworks sells several, but once you get one, it's easy to use. You don't need to take the head off to look into the cylinders, but if you find something in there then yeah you will need to, which I imagine is a whole other can of worms. I'm in the process of getting a new block for my truck, and that's pain enough as it is getting the heads off, and that's a simple OHV v8. A DOHC motor is a whole different beast, but once you lock the cams I imagine its only a few bolts, and it is only the one head since its just a 4cyl. You're not in Maryland are you?

 

Awesome! I will try to find a mini camera to check it out. I am in Maryland.

 

Nice! Yeah good luck with the camera and continue to post if you can't determine the problem. If you're close-ish to me in MD, I could maybe come by and take a look but honestly the ideas I've posted here are the best I can come up with. I unfortunately don't own a borescope camera or else I would certainly lend it to you.

 

Thanks for all the help. I will post and update. Hopefully it is something blocking the cylinder and not the flywheel. I would think the cylinder head would be the easiest to remove. The timing chain guide that broke in the engine, made a mess. There was plastic and metal from the top of the engine all the way into the oil pan. Thanks again

 

The only entry routes for something to get into a cylinder are through a spark plug hole or through an open cylinder head (ruling out just the right sized object following the intake runners past an open intake valve). If the spark plugs are still in the head, nothing entered through the hole. I would wonder if there is a bent valve stem? When the timing chain gave up the ghost, all kinds of interesting things may have happened to a valve that was opened and dangling into the cylinder. Just guessing...

 

How do I check for a bent valve?

 

Remove the cylinder head if you're not finding any other explanation. It could be a bent valve or valve got stuck partially open and won't close. I have seen excessively worn valve guides to where the valve is slightly at an angle. My brother had a 12 hp engine mount to an electric scooter running it above the rpm it was meant for, all of a sudden it lose compression. When we tore it down one of the exhaust valves was crooked and valve guide was larger than the valves diameter.

 

Look to see if any valves are open. Excessive clearance between the rocker roller and the cam will indicate this. Rotate it backwards with a socket and ratchet while watching the valves. If it still won't move going backwards. Grab a flashlight and look up the flywheel area. Make sure nothing is in there. Timing those cams isn't as easy as just put the tools on. Line it up. Tighten things down. Remove the tools and go. Oil pressure in the tensioner will push on the chain alittle extra and change the cam timing. Then it needs to be done again to get it right.

 

SPRINTCARS is exactly right. There is no need to remove the cylinder head until it is necessary.

 

Lock the flywheel and put the timing tool on the cams to make sure they are still timed and haven't moved. Remove the tool and then pull the spark plugs and turn the engine by hand and see if it turns easily and then stops.