Alteus

I just changed my oil, and now I can't get the car to start. First time trying to start it cranked, started, then died. Tried it again...crank, start, die. Now it will crank endlessly and won't start. I know I didn't do anything wrong...it's just an oil change, and I've done many in the past with no problems. Dipstick reads full but not too full, so I didn't overfill it. I'm thinking it maybe has something to do with this problem I've been having...but I don't know. Any ideas?? I need to get this fixed!

jramosthe1st!

iTrader: (1)

what oil did you use and did you use any additives?

Alteus

Mobil 1 High Mileage 10W-30, no additives. It's what I always use and I've had no problems. I think this problem is just coincidental...

jramosthe1st!

iTrader: (1)

oil viscosity will affect the engine in a way that will keep it from starting. i was hoping you say you did use an additive but since you didn't i'd agree that it is coincidental.

make sure all the wires to the plug,maf, injectors dist. and so forth are on and work from there.

IPWNU

Are you sure you didn't fill it with water?

Alteus

Well, I have used 10W30 in the winter in the past and had no problems. I usually go for the higher weight because my car burns a bit. It's not all that cold here either...30s to 40s in the day, and 10s to 20s at night. So I wouldn't think that weight would make much of a difference...but I guess it could. Bah...I really don't feel like changing oil again and wasting money. I'll check all the electrical connections when it's light again.

Alteus

Bump for update...

I just checked the plugs. I think something in the head is toast. Laughing The general condition of the plugs was ok...a little black, but otherwise normal. Except for one thing...the spark plug in cylinder two (from the front) was covered in oil. I don't mean a little oil, either...I'm talking soaked in oil; dripping with oil. Before you ask, no oil was spilled in that area at all. What the f**k? So I cleaned it off and soaked it in gas for a while to dissolve whatever else was left. Put it back in, still not starting. I checked all four plugs at this point, especially curious to see if the 2nd plug had oil on it again. It did not, however, it was soaked in gas this time. All the other plugs were the same except plug number 3, which looked normal. What does this mean? Timing issue? Faulty injector? I think I am just going to take it to a shop at this point because I don't have an OBD-II scanner to diagnose it any further.

Also: Forgot to mention that the distributor is fine. I checked for spark on all four plug wires.

jramosthe1st!

iTrader: (1)

check your compression and tell us what you find.

Alteus

Compression test came out bad...around 60PSI in all cylinders Now what?

BigVinnie

iTrader: (2)

Check your timing chain. You might be experiencing overlap that you shouldn't have. Mnanipulating the valve in such a manner that one or the other or both can be open can cause for those low PSI numbers.
Does your timing chain rattle?
Have you checked your coolant in the radiator to make sure coolant passage isn't leaking into the oil pan?

Alteus

Well, the timing chain has always rattled just a little, just like every other KA. But I thought that if the timing chain had a problem, it'd be making some serious noise when trying to start. Basically, the motor just turns over endlessly, as if the battery is dead, but I know that's not the issue. I think it is spark related as it is definitely getting gas. I also forgot to open the throttle when I did the compression test so that might be part of the reason for such a low number I have not checked the coolant but I'll do that tonight. I'm also going to retest compression.