323 not starting after a head gasket swap !! Help !!
 

Here's the situation: 1994 Mazda 323 1.6L SOHC (B6 engine). I took the valve head off to have it resurfaced and port/polished along with a multi-angle valve job. When I went to reinstall everything I used new gaskets on ALL the top end (intake manifold, t-body, etc.). I also polished the intake manifold runners and the intake plenum. I cleaned everything up and installed. Now the car will crank but will not start !! On the first crank when I try to start the car, it will almost start but it will go back to crank and no sign of life.

I've double checked the timing alignment on the crank, the camshaft, and the distributor ( I installed a new rotor and distributor cap). I am stomped. Any suggestions !?!?!

I am all set to drop a turbo on this car but I need to get this part of the project done.

check the distributer is in correctly

Done both but I will re-check just to be safe... I am starting to think something is wrong with the valve job... Keep the suggestions coming, they are appreciated.

Have you checked that you are getting spark and/or fuel?

I have a '91 323 SE with the 1.6 SOHC, do I have the B6 engine as well?

I believe so...

Unless u got boost...

hey ... offtopic but just so u guys know.... the 2003 Kia Rio uses the Mazda B6 block too. 106HP 100-110 lb ft torque (forgot)
Now that engine is DOHC. Maybe one of u guys can try a head swap and see if it works out good. Engines from wrecked kias are dirt cheap.

Yep, my car has de B6 1.6L SOHC. I checked all of the above. I finally got the car to start but here's the catch; it only starts with the MAF connector unplugged !! Also, I have to cover the intake tube with my hand to "choke" the engine into starting. After its running, it idles fine up until I try to give it some gas or connect the MAF plug. This is really weird !! The car was running fine before the head removal. All I changed was the head job and a new water pump. What gives !?!?!

it couldn't be your Air flow meter could it?..... it idles for a min then goes out when u give it gas.....

....i don't know....it sounds like its directly related to you air flow meter...especially when it only starts when the maf wire is unplugged...




LatEr

Yea ... that's what I'm thinking too, the air flow sensor. However, the air flow sensor was perfectly fine before I started the work on the car. I know it could have gone bad but its weird. Besides, once the car starts, it will idle perfectly and indefinitely until I either press the gas or turn it off.

I'll third the air flow sensor. You didn't by chance drop any tools, etc. on top of it did you? It may have been just enough to knock it out of whack. If possible, go to a junkyard and pull one. I don't think it'd be too expensive getting an 'extra' that way.

Everything points to the air flow sensor. Is it possible that it got messed up with a "whack" ?? I don't recall hitting it with anything but it is possible. I have the shop manual and with the check procedure for the sensor which I will check either tonight or this weekend. However, if I am going to buy a replacement, I'd like to use an upgraded version such as one off an RX7 like they use on Protege's ... Is this mod feasible for the 323 ?? I would like to think it is, but I want to make sure.

BTW: here's an interesting note. When the car is running my tachometer will not work... Do you think this is related in any way to the MAF sensor problem ???