Car won't start after lower manifold replacement.

[2000malibu]

Hello,

I'm working on a friends 2000 Malibu with the 3.1 and I've replaced the lower intake mani gasket and now it won't start. I know I've got the correct length pushrods in their respective place, but can you torque these things down too tight? The Haynes manual I had said to torque them to 160 ft/lb is that correct? I torqued them down as tight as I could because I don't have a torque wrench that works right now.

I do have spark, I do have fuel and compression is 145-160 in all cylinders. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

Jason

[2000malibu]

I should also mention after having someone start it while I was watching, air while kind of "backfire" through the intake(ie...instead of the intake sucking in, it's firing it out).

[TazMan]

I doubt that would cause your problem but I don't think it's a good idea to install a manifold without a torque wrench. What is the car doing or not doing exactly? If the starter's engaging but the engine isn't turnig like it's seized, you may have radiator fluid in the cylinders. Should be able to just pull the plugs and crank it for a couple of seconds to clear it out. If it's cranking but not turning over you may have a loose connection. Maybe at the ignition module/coil packs or something. Either way I would torque everything down before I ran the motor. I paid $1 for my torque wrench on e-bay and I saw one in a local autoparts store for $10 so there not too expensive.

[IsaacHayes]

160ft/lb is not right!!! The lug nuts aren't even that high!!!

[TazMan]

160ft/lb is not right!!! The lug nuts aren't even that high!!!

Yeah I didn't realize that said ft/lbs until you said that. Holy crap thats tight! Are you sure thats not "inch pounds" rather then "foot pounds"?

[2000malibu]

oh wow....I'm an official dumba**....it says 168 in/lbs

So....that being said, I know the torque is incorrect....think the pushrods are bent now or should they be ok? I'm going to head back out in a few and take out the front head pushrods and see. what would 168 in/lbs be in ft/lbs??

Thanks for the help guys.

Jason

edit** found the answer...just need to divide 168 by 12 and I end up with 14 ft/lb....wow....I don't know what to think about myself!

So it is definitely possible to get these "preloaded" pushrods too tight huh?

[TazMan]

If you also made that mistake with the upper I would check it for cracks at the ports.

[2000malibu]

the manifold I knew not to torque too tight so I made sure on that.

Just got all the rocker arm bolts re-torqued and everything back together but she still won't start....wtf???? It is raining really bad and the contacts on the coil packs and plug wires did get a little wet...might be part of the cause.

This thing is really being a PITA.

[TazMan]

It's probably some little thing. Are all three connectors on the ignition module? Did you reconnect the wiring harness for the fuel injectors? Are you sure the firing order is right? The first start will probably be a little hard.

[pontiacdohc@gmail.com]

I just Put A New Long Block In A 2000 Gp I Know That 3100 Like The Back Of My Hand After Looking At For So Damn Long Waiting For The Long Block To Come In!

[pontiacdohc@gmail.com]

Check for fuel at eh fuel rail, if fuel is not present check fuel pump fuse and or relay.

Also check all harness connections you removed to pull the upper and lower intakes. I have made something for you I hope it helps !






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[2000malibu]

well, finally got her to start back up! Turns out there was so much moisture in cyilnders and ignition components from all the rain and snow this past week that she just wouldn't run.

Now theres a loud, heavy ticking sound which I'm assuming is just the lifters pumping back up, correct?

Thanks for the help!
Jason

[JMo60]

it could be the lifters, but it shouldnt take too long to get em pumped up.. if the sound does not go away, there is other issues. These engines naturally make a bit of "chatter" upon start-up, but its not excessive

[IsaacHayes]

I hope you loosened the rockers to the right spec. Hopefully didn't crack where they bolt into the heads!

[pontiacdohc@gmail.com]

well at least you got it start, I hope you drained the oil tho threes probley coolant in after doing the LIM.