Jeep liberty 3.7l replaced head gasket now wont start

[Mpeterson1023]

Hi I am new to the forum. I am having a very frustrating experience with this car and need some help. I replaced the head gasket and now the car wont start. Ive done head gaskets successfully before but I am no pro. I had the head machined, new gasket set obviously, new timing chain set, new water pump. Everything went together smoothly and torqued to specs. I believe i set the timing up correctly but due to slack in the chain it is quite possible the cams were off a tooth. I have spark and fuel but the thing wont start. Compression in the bank replaced is a little low...all three cylinders are 110-120psi as opposed to the other bank around 150-155. It sounds like its firing a little with starting fluid but wont actually fire up. The gas is probably 9-12 months old but i wouldnt think thats the issue. Im guessing its something to do with compression but it ran when the gasket was blown at lower compression. Please help!! Thanks!

 

[ltd02]

What bank did you do the HG on? Was it the right (even cylinders) or left (odd cylinders)? Did you rotate the engine at the crank and make sure all the timing marks line up? If these things are off by a tooth they'll usually run but run like crap. More than that and the thing won't run as designed. The right side where the cam sensor lives can be a pain to line up since you have to rotate it a tad as you install the chain to get the marks right.

 

[Mpeterson1023]

It was the right side with the cam sensor. First it threw a code that the sensor was bad so i replaced it with no improvement. I did rotate it by hand to make sure nothing was hitting but i didnt check the cam marks after a few rotations. Im planning to take the valve cover off to make sure its still on. I did also turn the cam a few degrees to make sure it pointed straight up when installing. Just trying to see if anyone had any other suggestions for me. Any reason it would be low on compression other than not torquing correctly (which i followed the manual). I may call the machine shop for his opinion.

 

[Peter Ruggeri]

I replaced the same head gasket on mine. The timing is merciless. What was the compression before the gasket change? Mine suffers from low compression both before and after and I’m still burning a little oil so I’m guessing I have worn rings. I bet your timing is out.

 

[Mpeterson1023]

I had compression in the front two cylinders at around 90 and 120. Now they are all closer to 120 on the right bank. I will check the timing, thanks! All suggestions welcome lol

 

[Mpeterson1023]

Im at TDC and both cams seem to be slightly off to the right bank side about 1 tooth. Im guessing this is my issue. Agreed? Is there an easy way i can adjust it without removing the timing cover again?

 

[Mpeterson1023]

I replaced the same head gasket on mine. The timing is merciless. What was the compression before the gasket change? Mine suffers from low compression both before and after and I’m still burning a little oil so I’m guessing I have worn rings. I bet your timing is out.

I replied without replying directly to you, not sure if you can see that. Looks like my timing is out a tooth on both banks. Do you know if theres a way to adjust it without removing the timing cover?

 

[Mpeterson1023]

Shes now running! Thanks for the input guys

 

[Darink]

Was it timing going thru the same thing. It ran for 15 minutes after now nothing. Lifter broke on cylinder 2

 

[Darink]

Was it timing going thru the same thing. It ran for 15 minutes after now nothing. Lifter broke on cylinder 2