Guys, I could use some help. My 98 discovery(series I) blew the head gasket 7-8 mo's ago. I've had it sitting until recently when I've had time to take the heads out(had them machined and new seals in valves), I put it all back together and now it won't start. I've been searching the forums for some trick, or potentially something I missed when putting it back together and so far haven't found anything. I replaced the battery, oil, fuel, and air filters, new spark plugs, it turns over easily (with no "bad" engine sounds). I've tested the fuel rail and with the fuel pump running I'm getting around 40 PSI, just under 35 after it primes. I believe I'm getting spark as after using a light amount of starter fluid it begins to "catch." I'm not seeing any ODB2 error codes. Any help or advice that you could pass on would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

1. You may have to cycle the fuel pump a few times to get enough fuel up there for it to run. Did you get any fuel actually spraying out at the Schrader vavle if you push the valve stem in?

2. HAVE YOU VERIFIED SPARK PRESENT? You could pull one wire off, put a loose plug in it, lay it on the exhaust manifold and look for spark while someone turns key for you.

If you have fuel and spark it should go.

It may be an alarm issue since it lost battery power.

 

O.k. I've been pulling out the plugs one at a time and testing them against the manifold. I'm not seeing spark. Bad coil? I've inspected the coil lines, I don't see any cracks, the connections seem tight. I'm looking for a procedure to test, any suggestions? Thanks again.

 

Either crank position sensor, or engine immobilization withholding spark.