Just finished the 18hr head gasket change. engine cranks but no spark. I dont not have coolant in yet and waiting on a o2 sensor,so 1 upstream is disconnected. any ideas ? coil connectors (both) on tight. fuel reset switch pressed. any reason it would have no spark with these conditions? also belt if off waiting for replacement.

 

No reason, just Murphy's Law.

Crank position sensor plugged in? Or bad? Engine needs to see about 80 rpm to keep fuel pump on. Fuel pump should run a second or so when key turned on.

Or immobilzed. But normally if immobilized it won't run starter. From the RAVE:

 

I think the crank sensor connector attaches to a bracket on one of the heads. Any chance it was unplugged?

 

Maybe you have spark, just at the wrong time?

Make sure you did not switch around the feed wires to the coils.
You probably had those coils out...

There is a wire which runs under the PS and A/C aluminum bracket.
I have no idea what that wire is for, but it would be easy to accidentally get it hung
up and crush it.

Yeah, it is easy to smash wires when putting the intake manifold back on.

Check that you put the grounding strap back on from the driver's side (USA)
from the head to the firewall.

All in all, I agree - crank sensor issue.

 

Some people have nut plugged in the correct connection to the crank sensor, that will cause it.

 

Nice, was crank sensor not fully latched. Refreshing to be on internet and pepole actually have a clue. See my thread about the head gasket change and some tips you can pass on to others....As you are maintenance legends (Dr. Disco Mike and others.)Tune in next week when i Go after the three amigos.

 

not sure why replacing the head gaskets involves the crank sensor.
I never touched mine or the plug to the cranks sensor and got the head gaskets replaced.
My motto is: If you can not touch it - then don't touch it.
Less to break. Less to put back together.

I do believe in taking off stuff to gain access to areas and make it easier to work in.

 

As stated the crank sensor multiplug is bolted to drivers head and refered to in RAVE manual 18-2-83. Jfall mabey yours was never put back on the bracket previously and is dangling, unsecured.Also there is a wire bundle attached to back of head,RAVE 12-2-14 REFERS....so, 2 bolts to take off before L/H head removal...I had to do it. Dont want someone pulling and breaking crank sensor wires while lifting a head..Very hard to see them in situ....hence the ''keep the head 2inch fwd while removing/installing them....See my tips for head gasket replacment...