Truck will not start?

1990 MAZDA B2200
240,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
Avatar
NOSAJ077
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I replaced the head gasket a few weeks ago, put everything back together and started up the truck fine a couple times. Then it just wouldn't turn over very well. At this point I have replaced it with a new starter, battery and different wiring harness that supplies the power ground and start wires. I have cleaned all of grounding points and wire ends. When I try to start it, it turns over slowly or fully sometimes and has a buzzing/whine noise. I thought it was maybe insufficient power from connections. It's getting frustrating. Please help, I could use some advice.
Oct 5, 2023 at 7:33 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Can you please upload a short video of the engine cranking over? Is there is chance the timing chain has broken or has jumped time? Let's remove the spark plug and then check the engine cranking ability. If it cranks over okay let's do a compression test to make sure the engine is not hurt.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

This guide may help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

Please go over these guides and get back to us.
Oct 6, 2023 at 10:02 AM
Avatar
NOSAJ077
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Okay, I will take a video of it and send.
Oct 6, 2023 at 5:24 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Please do it will help us see what's going on.
Oct 7, 2023 at 8:06 AM
Avatar
NOSAJ077
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Here is the video. I hope the sound is good enough. If not, I can take another. And like I mentioned it started and ran for few minutes a couple times after the head gasket was replaced and now it's like this. The overall ability to start got a little better with the new battery and starter but that's it.
Video (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Oct 7, 2023 at 6:18 PM
Avatar
NOSAJ077
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Also, I pulled the distributor back out and made sure the timing marks were aligned. I'm not sure if that helps. I didn't think that was a problem considering the whining/buzzing noise you hear when trying to start it.
Oct 8, 2023 at 9:55 AM
Avatar
NOSAJ077
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Okay update on my trucks position. I tried turning motor over by hand to see if turned resistance free and as it comes around TDC point I can hear/feel a grinding metal on metal sound so this maybe the problem? What should I do?
Oct 8, 2023 at 4:02 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Thanks for the video. Yep, it sounds like the timing chain has jumped or the distributor is too far advanced. I would retard the timing to see if it makes a difference and then remove all spark plugs and try to crank it over, and then do a compression test to confirm the problem.
Oct 9, 2023 at 8:53 AM
Avatar
NOSAJ077
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Okay, I will give it a try. Let you know what I figure out thanks.
Oct 9, 2023 at 6:10 PM
Avatar
NOSAJ077
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
You were right. Turned out to be the distributor was a tooth or two off. It fired right up. I think it goes to show how, sometimes when you get frustrated, you can overlook the things that would've made sense before. I want to thank you and this type of program for existing. To occasionally help someone who might need a different perspective or step by step assistance. Otherwise, someone out there might be still sitting in the garage scratching their head. Thank you again for your help.
Oct 10, 2023 at 10:20 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
You are welcome I am glad to help you. Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
Oct 11, 2023 at 7:32 AM