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I have replaced head gaskets on my Subaru Forester ...

Sent to Car Experts March 12 10:45 p.m.

I have replaced head gaskets on my Subaru Forester 98. I put engine back and connected everything properly. Engine does not start. The tank was sort of empty and I put there about 1 gallon of gas. The car was out of road about three monthes. Starter works, fuel pump works, coils give spark. I connected it to the battery of running engine in case if my battery is off - did not help. I do not check timing belt yet, but I was extremelly accurate when put it back. What could be a reason for that? I have heard that water can accumulate in tank and causes that problem.

Optional Information:
1998 Subaru Forester 2.5 DOCH

Already Tried:
I checked that fuel pump works and gas comes to the cylinders, that there is a spark.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $15

Answer
March 13 12:38 a.m. (1 hour and 52 minutes later)

ACCEPTED

It is possible that water could do that, if you take a sample of the fuel and put it in a clear container, you will be able to see the water separate from the gas, if that is the case. Other than that, my first thought would be to do a compression check on all of the cylinders to make sure you do not have low compression because of valve timing (timing belt off) or mis adjusted valves. Thanks

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Reply
Sent March 13 2:19 a.m. (1 hour and 41 minutes later)

Do you mean by "low compression because of valve timing" that intake and exhaust camshafts are not synchronized with crankshaft? I ask because on my Subaru it is easier to take out the alternator and compressor and check the timing belt by eye than remove spark plugs for checking of compression.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
March 13 2:25 a.m. (5 minutes and 31 seconds later)

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Bob -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 977 Car Accepts
40 year GM Tech. +30 Certified. ASE Master Tech.(expired, retired) Medium Duty, Heavy Line, Retired

Reply
Sent March 13 2:48 a.m. (23 minutes and 31 seconds later)

My engine has two intake and two exhaust camshafts. One on left and one on right sides of engine. Each camshaft serve two cylinders. I just realized that I can check compression only in one cylinder for on each engine side to uncover timing belt problem. I have more or less good access for one spark plug on each side, and very bad access to other. Is that correct?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
March 13 10:45 a.m. (7 hours and 56 minutes later)

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Bob -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 977 Car Accepts
40 year GM Tech. +30 Certified. ASE Master Tech.(expired, retired) Medium Duty, Heavy Line, Retired

Reply
Sent March 14 12:44 p.m. (1 day and 1 hour later)

Hi Bob. I have found the problem, I have mixed up the delivery and return fuel lines. But befor I have checked the gas and it was OK. The engine is running , but the "Check Engine" bulb is blinking. The same was just before pulling engine out, after I disconnected spark plugs to find which head gasket was leaky. A guess it make sense to visit now Subaru dealership and check the computer and engine. Thank you. Yuriy.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
March 14 2:57 p.m. (2 hours and 13 minutes later)

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Bob -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 977 Car Accepts
40 year GM Tech. +30 Certified. ASE Master Tech.(expired, retired) Medium Duty, Heavy Line, Retired

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