starting problem

[smackfest04]

Hi all, new here to the forums, been doing a lot of research here for my jeep. Just finished the head gasket job, it's an 04 liberty with 3.7 v6. Here is my issue, ran OK when I pulled it in the garage for the job at hand, have it all done now and it will not start. It halfway tries to start, sputters and coughs and dies out. Timing was set correctly per Chrysler specs, and checked multiple times, heads were checked by machine shop and had them ground to be true and flat. When it tries to start it seems like it's an ignition timing problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am not familiar with these engines at all.

Thanks,

Brett

 

[Logan Savage]

If all sensors were properly reconnected it still sounds like a timing problem . Dot on crankshaft gear at 6 , dot on idler gear at 12 & V6's on both cam sprokets at 12 .

 

[smackfest04]

Both v6 at 12 on cams, dot on idler at 12, and didn't notice dot on crank gear when it was apart, but checked timing again with front cover and harmonic balancer on, and notch lined up with TDC mark on timing cover with both cams with v6 at 12. Gonna triple check all connections again when I get home from work tonight.

 

[J33Pfan]

did you check for fuel pressure?

did you try starting fluid? (dont use too much)

 

[smackfest04]

Fuel pressure while cranking is around 60psi, so that shouldn't be an issue

 

[smackfest04]

Checked timing, timing have idler mark and v6 on cams at 12 o clock, crank mark is at 6 o clock, but when I watch the valves while rolling it over by hand, when all marks are in correct orientation, cylinder 1 is not on compression TDC, it is on exhaust TDC, does Chrysler set timing this way? Not what I'm used to

 

[Logan Savage]

When I installed a crank kit in my 02 I had all marks oriented like you say yours are . I didn't pay any attention to which valves were or were not open & it runs fine . I do remember one of the cams was depressing valves because it had to be held with the V6 in the 12 position . I have my 05 tore down right now & a new set of heads on the way . Should be here in the next couple days . I'll check when I put it together to see what valves are depressed . I don't see how yours could be wrong if all your marks are correct though . I have read a couple threads that people had a problem with the nubbins on the ends of a camshaft that fit in the slots on the cam sprockets . Seems they can shear & let the sprocket get out of orientation with the cam .

 

[smackfest04]

I don't think they sheared, it ran when I pulled it in the garage, and if it did it's like the sprocket rotated 180 degrees perfectly.

 

[smackfest04]

I don't think they sheared, it ran when I pulled it in the garage, and if it did it's like the sprocket rotated 180 degrees perfectly.

 

[J33Pfan]

I don't think they sheared, it ran when I pulled it in the garage, and if it did it's like the sprocket rotated 180 degrees perfectly.

if it sheared off, the timing would be off. it would still turn with the rest of the parts -but not be lined up correctly. something you have to look at.

 

[Logan Savage]

Didn't forget to plug the camshaft sensor connector back up did you ? Just guessing at what the problem could possibly be . There are some decent U Tube videos on the 3.7's , might see something you possibly missed .

 

[smackfest04]

J33pfan I understand if it sheared it would be out of time, I highly doubt it did though, I pulled it in the garage running, heads came off, went to shop and came back, all timing marks lined up as they came off. I am going to check it, but, if it did shear, that cam gear is sitting exactly 180 degrees from where it should be, I find that highly unlikely personally

 

[smackfest04]

Also, this is an interference engine, if that pin had sheared and the gear turned 180 degrees, there would have been evidence on yhe valves and pistons of contact, which there was none

 

[smackfest04]

Yes, cam sensor is hooked up, along with all other sensors and connectors, I triple checked before tearing timing cover back off

 

[smackfest04]

Ok, may be a dumb question, but I found info saying 2 different things now, cylinder 1 is front cylinder left(driver side) correct? I am now seeing 2 different diagrams online, one saying it is on the front right for Vin code K 3.7 and other saying where I believe it is.

 

[renegade 04]

Here is a link to factory service manuals.
Index of /manuals/Jeep/KJ

 

[Logan Savage]

Front left is # 1 , yes drivers side , will be on your right if facing engine from in front of vehicle . Sprocket wouldn't have had to turn 180 . All your marks would still line up if cam just turned a little bit in the sprocket or a lot . It would be the cam that would be off , not the piston , chain & sprockets . I too doubt this is your problem , just a remote possibility .
I reread what you said & I think what you're saying is it would have to be 180 out because the exhaust valve is open at TDC instead of the intake . My heads came today & I'll likely install them tomorrow & see what mine does .
Just went out to my garage & checked the heads I pulled off my engine . Drivers side head has # 1 intake valve open when V6 is at 12 . Intake valve lobe on cam is 2nd lobe back . First lobe is exhaust valve & it's pointing straight to the left when I'm facing the front of the head .

 

[smackfest04]

Ok, I'll take a look this evening, if I rock the engine back and forth, the intake and exhaust open and close, so it it at TDC exhaust stroke, most engines are set with no.1 on compression stroke, that's where I'm feeling that it is 180 off

 

[Logan Savage]

Something I didn't take into account when I posted last night , When I checked the head last night it was laying flat on the workbench & I set the V6 on the cam at 12 . When the head is on the engine it is sitting at an angle which would change the position of the cam when the V6 is at 12 . Just went & tilted the head to approximate its position when on engine , turned the cam till V6 was at 12 & neither valve for # 1 would be open .

 

[smackfest04]

Well, that is interesting, gonna have to pull the cam gear when I get home tonight and check the dowel, but if the dowel is there and not broken, I am completely at a loss as to why it would be this way