86.5 S belt and water pump change gone wrong

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27 Apr 2024 13:50 #22608 by RollerBA
Hi everyone, I could use some advice. I bought a running and driving 86.5 S last May and really enjoyed cruising around in it all last summer. In the winter I decided I’d better do the timing belt and water pump. I bought the kit from Roger including the porken tensioner and followed the steps word for word. While I was at it I also removed the air pump and catalytic converters and replaced the O2 sensor because I’d like to track the car this summer. Well, after getting everything back together I turn the key and it fires once then sits burbling while I crank. I double and triple checked the order and connection on the spark plug cords and the connections to the Bosch cans on each side, I can’t remember their names at the moment. There was a loose ground there so I reconnected it and still does the same thing. It’s getting fuel because after trying to start it for a few seconds I smell gas. I haven’t tried testing any relays yet, I’m hoping I’ve forgotten something simple but I can’t find what it could be. Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanks in advance!

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29 Apr 2024 20:05 #22615 by rtk11
Are you sure you have the cam timing correct when installing the timing belt?  And you're sure you have the spark plug wires on correctly?  Did you change the spark plug wires or verify that they're not arcing or otherwise broken?  

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29 Apr 2024 20:53 - 29 Apr 2024 20:54 #22616 by Adamant1971
Replied by Adamant1971 on topic 86.5 S belt and water pump change gone wrong
Post some pictures, it sure sounds like the ignition leads are not set up correctly. Hand crank to TDC and check through the vent holes if cam gear notches are lining up or not. Did you take pics during the work?

1987 S4 5 spd, LSD, Sport Seats

Daily Driver: 2008 SAAB 9-5 Aero CombiSport
Last edit: 29 Apr 2024 20:54 by Adamant1971.

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30 Apr 2024 09:12 #22617 by RollerBA
Replied by RollerBA on topic 86.5 S belt and water pump change gone wrong
I’ve gone over the firing order several times and the wires look pretty new, although I will check them for arcing. The more people I talk to the more I think one or both of the cams is off by a tooth. 

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30 Apr 2024 09:15 #22618 by RollerBA
Replied by RollerBA on topic 86.5 S belt and water pump change gone wrong
I forgot about being able to see the cam notches through the vent holes! I’ll definitely have to check that this weekend. I did take pictures during the work but I’m not sure if I took any of the cam positions after I got the belt on. 

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30 Apr 2024 12:23 #22619 by rtk11
If you have a borescope, that can help to check notches through the camcover vent holes. (My poor (aging) eyes needed that.) PorKen also makes a tool to check timing on 32v engines (appropriately named the "32v'r") that I have and used to check my timing.

Interestingly enough, there is a YouTuber named "Guys with Rides" that did a top end refresh of his 1985 928 and it would not start. His issue turned out to be the ignition amplifiers at the nose of the car. May be worth a watch of his video to see if it's similar to your situation?

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30 Apr 2024 20:15 #22620 by RollerBA
Replied by RollerBA on topic 86.5 S belt and water pump change gone wrong
Oh! I do have a borescope. I will have to get it out. I actually watched the Guys with Rides video on the porken tensioner but I haven’t seen the one on the ignition issue. I’ll have to find that. 

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05 May 2024 18:00 #22625 by RollerBA
Replied by RollerBA on topic 86.5 S belt and water pump change gone wrong
My 928 is back on the road! The passenger side cam was off by one tooth. Thanks everyone for the suggestions. 

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05 May 2024 23:49 #22626 by rtk11
Great news, RollerBA! Glad you were able to find the issue, resolve it and put your 928 back into service!

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