Head rebuild goes astray - Help needed please!

[shedvan]

Hello I've got a Volkswagen Polo mk2 1043 85 plate.

 

The sump gasket and head gasket were failing so I've changed those, had the head skimmed and put the engine back together, however when it came to restarting it thats where things have gome a bit pete tong.

 

I changed the cam belt and rebuilt the solex carb also and refilled with oil and coolant but when I went to restart initially the fuel pump/filter took a while to fill.

 

Although the battery isn't the best it tried to turn but hasn't fired.

 

I also tried to bump and tow start it but when towing as the car built up momentum when I released the clutch the tyres began to make a squealing scrabbling noise - I thought it almost seemed as if they were trying to turn backwards or locking?? - anyway needless to say the engine wasn't catching

 

Does any of this sound familiar to anyone, I'm clearly having a real 'mare although I did suspect reassembling it mightn't be as easy as 1-2-3 tequila

[nigel bickle]

Is the engine locked/ hydraulically locked? Take the plugs out & spin it over. Any liquid out of the plug holes? Does it spin quickly/ evenly?

 

If thats Ok- I'd start with the stuff you've changed. Rule out the fuel systewm -as you havent touched it -so concentrate on the timing & ignition. Is it sparking would be a good start....

[Cheggers]

As Nigel says, start with what you know has been changed and work outwards. Don't overlook daft mistakes like plug leads in the wrong order etc (been there, done that )

[Lankytim]

Is the cam deffo timed up right?

[shedvan]

Is the engine locked/ hydraulically locked? Take the plugs out & spin it over. Any liquid out of the plug holes? Does it spin quickly/ evenly?

 

If thats Ok- I'd start with the stuff you've changed. Rule out the fuel systewm -as you havent touched it -so concentrate on the timing & ignition. Is it sparking would be a good start....

 

Defo will try that, hadn't thought of that but thought I'd like to be able to turn it over crank it at least to see if there was freedom of movement.

 

As Nigel says, start with what you know has been changed and work outwards. Don't overlook daft mistakes like plug leads in the wrong order etc (been there, done that )

 

I have a feeling its going to be some kind of schoolboy error, its the first time I've tried anything of this nature and I am beginning to get that nasty sense of inadequacy. When I stripped it down I found the starter motor was disconnected (actually the cables had melted!) so I've lashed a new cable together for it but as the car was working before I have tried disconnecting it again but no joy

 

Is the cam deffo timed up right?

 

Not one hundred percent sure on that tbh.

 

Thanks for all the imput, its been very frustrating - I feel like I've been beating my head against a brick wall today to no avail, so I at least have some new avenues to explore tomorrow after a decent kip

 

...I know I should probably throw the towel in but there is still a large part of me that won't admit defeat ..... the beligerant part

[Danblez]

I had a bit of an issue when I did the head on the 924 it turned out I hadn't ensured the rotor arm was pointing to no. 1 plug lead when the engine was at TDC when replacing the distributor.

 

So just go over everything again.

 

Was engine at TDC (mark on flywheel and crank pulley) and cam lined up (mark on back of cam) when you fitted the belt?

When you refitted the distributor was the engine at TDC and did you check that it was roughly lined up to No.1 plug lead?

Have you checked the order or the plug leads is correct?

Is the order correct with the rotation of the rotor arm?

 

If all that is correct and you have spark and fuel it should start.

 

Check spark by taking plug out and resting on engine whilst cranking you should see a healthy spark. I am a novice at all this too but thinks that's right if not I am sure someone will be along to put me right.

 

If any one of those isn't right it won't start, don't be afraid to ask if you aren't sure.

 

Good luck.

[Guest]

where are you? maybe someone can skid over and cast an eye if local.

[michael1703]

timing 180 degrees out?

[nigel bickle]

If you have melted the starter leads- prior to the engine locking -you need help. There's something important that you're missing ,or relaying the tale in the wrong order..

 

What was the FIRST/ initial fault -and how did it develop?