84 2.3L SVO wont crank

scootersvo · 03-18-2005

OK A friend just gave me a 84 SVO that has been sitting up since 01. I changed out the starter solinoid, Plugs and wires. Im getting fire to the plugs but it wont crank. I can shoot the dip stick out a good 5 feet when it does get a spark. So whats next ? A few friends have told me to change out the oil. even put diesel in it and turn it over with out the plugs hooked up. then drain the diesel and replace with oil. I think thats a good idea. Another friend told me to change out the pcv vaulve. What do yau'll think. I have nothing to lose with this car just a bunch of expirence to gain.

Thanks Scootersvo

iluv65stangs · 03-18-2005

does it not crank at all? maybe the engine is locked up......i would personally rebuild the engine.....if you dont have any luck with it and dont wanna put the money and time into it and decide to sell it, let me know

scootersvo · 03-18-2005

I plan on rebuilding it and restoring the car to orriginal Condition. Just dont know what to tear into first.

Scootersvo

iluv65stangs · 03-19-2005

well, when it comes to rebuilding and restoring to original condition, what i do on my cars is i start with the motor first anyways, i would pull the motor and rebuild it and set it to the side, then i would completely strip the car and save anything that is in really good condition, and junk the rest, then sand and paint the car, then put everything back together.....but thats just the way i do things, everyone has their own way to do it. good luck with your project. post pictures of before, during and after if possible, id like to see the working project.

GTron · 03-20-2005

[ I can shoot the dip stick out a good 5 feet when it does get a spark. So whats next ?

First thing is invest in a good shop manual!!!!

That sounds like a timing problem or possibly a blown piston. To get the kind of pressure needed to blow out the dipstick makes me think that you are getting combusition taking place in the crankcase. The 2.3 4cyl has a belt driven overhead cam. The belt may be broken or very worn. Four cylinder firing order is 1342. Take the valve cover off and spin the engine to see if the cam rotates and the valves open and close. If there is action the belt isn't broken. Next check the valve timing /ignition timing. Line up the timing marks on the harmonic balancer with those on the block to indicate that the engine is at top dead center. Next, pull the distributor cap and make sure that the rotor is pointing at the cap terminal leading to either# 1 cylinder or #4 cylinder. Both the intake and exhaust valves on # 1 cylinder or #4 cyl should be closed. If they aren't either the distributor or the cam has jumped time. You should pull the timing belt cover and check the timing marks on the crank and cam sprockets to see if they are in line. The timing belt could be intact but so worn and loose that it has allowed the cam to jump time. If the timing is ok do a compression check to see if there is a cylinder (s) that are extremely low in comparison to the others. The fact that you are blowing the dipstick out of the tube doesn't sound good. That what makes me think a blown piston.

scootersvo · 03-20-2005

Thanks

I will try everything you listed. Take pictures and post them. This is going to be a fun rebuild. I have never torn into a engine before but Im defidently not scared. Do you have a partictular shop manual in mind. I looked at chilton what do you think? I was looking for something that just delt with the 2.3 ltr SVO is there such a manual?

Thanks for your help
Scootersvo

GTron · 03-20-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by scootersvo

Thanks

I will try everything you listed. Take pictures and post them. This is going to be a fun rebuild. I have never torn into a engine before but Im defidently not scared. Do you have a partictular shop manual in mind. I looked at chilton what do you think? I was looking for something that just delt with the 2.3 ltr SVO is there such a manual?

Thanks for your help
Scootersvo

I personally like Haynes manuals better than Chilton- www.haynes.com. They have a manual covering your Mustang including turbos. Manual # 36050 I think . You can order it on line from their web site or you an go to Barns and Noble and order it.