P38A V8 Not starting after head gasket change

d1s · Nov 28, 2016

Hi guys
Just finished changing my head gasket on the 4.6
After putting everything back together and reconnecting everything, it wouldn't start.

It turns over slowly, I can also see belts moving.
I'm concerned that I connected the injector plugs or ignition coils in the wrong order

Any ideas?
Thanks

Mark Piercy · Nov 28, 2016

Take Time to go back over everything you have done! If you don't remember touching then you haven't! Might be something you've missed? Crank sensor? Or as you said plug lead order..

Mark Piercy · Nov 28, 2016

Engine earth strap cleaned and tightened?

biketeacherdave · Nov 28, 2016

My bet is the earth strap on the rear of the head at the back of the engine

d1s · Nov 28, 2016

Earth strap is securely tightened. The engine does turn over, just very slowly

biketeacherdave · Nov 28, 2016

Slow cranking is usually down to
Starter motor
Earth straps
Weak battery
Poor earths

How long was your down time doing the hg ?

d1s · Nov 28, 2016

About 2 weeks altogether, half of that with battery connected

biketeacherdave · Nov 28, 2016

d1s said:
About 2 weeks altogether, half of that with battery connected

Time to get that battery charged up then its got to be your next step if your earth straps are all good

d1s · Nov 28, 2016

I'll leave it charge overnight, thanks for the help. Update in the morning

Mark Piercy · Nov 28, 2016

Unless your starter could be showing its age?

d1s · Nov 30, 2016

Update: Found a disconnected earth, reconnected it but still not starting.

Just slowly cranks.

If some of the injector plugs/ignition coils were connected in the wrong order, would that have an effect?
Say if half of them were running, would the car still start?

Have no idea what's causing this problem

Mark Piercy · Nov 30, 2016

Do you have another battery just to rule out you've not loss a cell? A duff battery freshly charged will say 12.5. But after a short period the duff cell will discharge the battery... Is there any straining on the dashboard lights when you attempt to start the car?

wammers · Nov 30, 2016

d1s said:
Update: Found a disconnected earth, reconnected it but still not starting.

Just slowly cranks.

If some of the injector plugs/ignition coils were connected in the wrong order, would that have an effect?
Say if half of them were running, would the car still start?

Have no idea what's causing this problem

Would think there is a fair chance having everything connected up wrong could possibly cause a problem.

Mark Piercy · Nov 30, 2016

I agree, have you verified everything you've touched? Plug leads and injector leads. Sounds starter or battery related... You should still have a healthy turn over speed regardless of ignition errors.... Is there oil in the engine.. Sorry daft question, but?

pete1987RRC · Nov 30, 2016

Timing 180 180 DES out?

You need it cranking good first though

d1s · Nov 30, 2016

Just fitted a new battery. Waiting 30 minutes for the Key Code Lockout message to disappear. I'll keep you updated

d1s · Nov 30, 2016

Update: Still not starting. Cranking a lot faster now, but won't fire up. Absolutely clueless. To make things worse, bonnet catches are starting to stick

I'd take it to a mechanic if I could....

biketeacherdave · Nov 30, 2016

whats ur location ?

d1s · Nov 30, 2016

South Wales. I don't have the patience to deal with this so I'm going to leave it for a while.

Mark Piercy · Nov 30, 2016

Dont get disheartened mate, you've cured the slow turning! As our mate says, try turning the dizzy 180°... If its the problem you may get one or two cylinders to fire! Pending on your leads.. That'll give you a boost!;-0

P38A V8 Not starting after head gasket change

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