Car won't start!!!

[benny3008]

I've posted on here a few times about changing the timing belt on my citroen zx, i have now completed that task and the bl00dy thing still wont start. It sounds as though there is compression in the cylinders but it wont fire, i had previously taken of the spark leads but no matter how many combinations i try them in it still wont have it. (Yes, Yes, Yes i know i should have marked them before i took them off, I forgot OK). As i was saying, it sounds like there is compression but not quite enough, i've tried putting petrol in it, thought that would be the obvious thing to do but still no luck, i've tried bumping the car with jum leads from my mums car thinkin that the battery may be dead and still nothin!!! It is driving me nuts. Anyone got any ideas what it could be.
Any suggestions welcome.
TIA

[benny3008]

rnchugg, thanks, i shall try that tommorow when its light. il look out for you on msn.

[cazzz1975]

I was going to suggest that but i thought on a zx that the spark plugs were located in a awkward place to get your fingers in

[cazzz1975]

i would guess at the valves being bent then

[benny3008]

thinkin about it, its the same on mine, they are very awkward to get to but im sure its still worth a try.

[cazzz1975]

keep us up to date with what happens when you fiond out benny, goodluck x

[benny3008]

If the valves are bent, im assumin that would affect the compression because air/fuel mix escaping, am i right?

[benny3008]

yeh, will keep you informed, thank you so much for all your help cazzz. :)

[benny3008]

rnchugg, what is your addy? i will try adding you.

[cazzz1975]

because you have got no vacuum in the cylinder to pull the fuel mix in, when the engine sparks it ignights the fuel mix in the inlet manifold which you will see as a puff of smoke somewhere near the air filter/ carburetter (bent valves)

[rnchugg]

(sorry having to download the new msn as have not used for a while) Cazzz you and I are on the same wave length. (assuming the valves are bent, and honestly not very fimiliar with the citroen engine although the are all basically the same) Yes then Benny the reason why its almost firing is there is a build up of air/fuel mixture in the chambers and its attempting to fire but due to the (poss) of bent vavle(s) the mixture is "burning off " before the cycle can continue. The most important thing to do is get a compression test. Failing that you would have to drop the head off and get it stripped.

[benny3008]

okey dokey, to be honest i would love the challenge, if only i'd have discovered this prob in the summer as opposed to the winter when its too cold to be workin on it! wats ur msn addy?

[rnchugg]

Okay back now, DAMN msn. wont work. Have you got facebook/yahoo/aol? Well thats cars for you. I would try and get the car pressure tested, then look at weather its viable to spend money on it and remove the head. Being that you understand what needs to be done and the cost of the parts. It will be EXCELLENT training and knowledge for you. Its such a shame your so far away I would have been really happy to help. Its easier when you are actually staring at the engine and can physically "touch it" rather than just "guessing"

[benny3008]

yeh i have facebook. My name on it is Benjamin Warington

[benny3008]

Just to clarify are you natalie dance?

[rnchugg]

Its the wifes facebook account under Natalie *****. Have sent you a friends request. (hope this is you) a picture with you sat on a snow ball!

[benny3008]

yep u got it. ive accepted u.

[benny3008]

sorry my facebook chats just gone wrong for some reason il sign out and sign back in and see if that fixes it.

[benny3008]

update on the cars progress
Taken off rocker cover today and began taking out the rocker shaft but because i am a bit of a cheapscape my ratchets are not strong enough to undo the very very tight cylinder head bolts, i managed to tak 4 of the 8 out, i stoppped at the fifth one because my spanner was losing the will to live and started slipping, therefore i have wrapped up for the day and hopefully i should get alot further next weekend.

In other words, i havent really got very far today. Hopefully, i will be able to get some better ratchets before next weekend which will be strong enough to undo the bolts. I could also do with a breaker bar which i may be able to borrow from college.

Oh well, i have until august to get the car fixed so i am not in too much of a rush.

[TWR]

Benny, when you remove the head bolts put them in order of removal, use a piece of cardboard Eg, cereal box etc, mark as Left front 1 Right front 1 make the bolt holes with the bolt itself that way your head bolt go into the correct order of removal, as you have stopped doing the removal, pour some oil down the remaining bolt this in-turn will help with the removal, use the proper socket or you will pay the price, also when removing the head do not lever with a bar this can cause damage elsewhere, last, make sure you put an oil covered rag into each port when the head is off.