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I just finished putting my 2.5 in my 3. I went to go fire her up, and she just turned over.....and sounded like it was going to fire...but didn't.

What should I look for? I need to make sure I'm in time, and that I have good spark. Those I know, but what else should I look for if those are fine? How do I see if the fuel pump is working?

The car sat for 3 years, until I got ahold of it. I haven't checked compression (don't know how), so that could be one. But I would hope since it was rebuilt, it would have compression.

I don't know.....I've been working on the car all day, and this problem just happened, and my brain hurts already from other problems I've had all day.........help....

spark and timing are pretty important, so try those first. Your timing will have to be way out for the engine not to even run though. Turn the key like you are going to start the motor, but only for a split second, you should hear your fuel pump running, and then click and turn off once the pressure is built up.

If its freshly rebuilt, the only way you'd have no compression is if someone didn't install the timing belt properly. You need a compression tester to check your compression, like $15 at any place that sells automotive tools.

the first things I would check are that you are getting a strong spark, and that fuel is getting into the cylinders.

ok, fuel pump is working like a champ......heard it, and then smelled the gas...

pulled a spark plug off while a buddy turned the car over.....didn't hear it arcing. So I'm guessing I have no spark, or not enough. Found a new rotor that the previous owner left in the car, so I put that in......and nothing. So I decided to pull codes. Got code 05, knock sensor. But I replaced that when I did my rebuild, because I knew it was a biatch to do later. If that sensor is bad, can it stop the car from firing up? I'm guessing so, since it ain't firing and that's the only code it's throwing me!! But, it also could have thrown that code when I pulled out the spark plug wire......hmmmm

ok.....just had a brilliant idea, and went and tested it. I pulled all the spark plug wires out of the dizzy and tried the start the car. SAME exact thing it has been doing since 9pm! Just turning over, not even trying to fire.

So, I'm in a small hick town right now, with a few auto parts stores, and none of them carry much for the 3........so what are my options? How does this HEI thing work? Is it easy for someone electrically retarded to do? Will it fix my no spark issue? Or do I need to source a distributor? LOL

I'm 120 miles away from my home at my dad's house, trying to get my car running so I can go home............

Make sure you have all your ground wires connected. I think a lot of us have added extra ground wires. Go over your harnass again and make sure everything is good and tight, you can take out a spark plug and test the plug but the side plug must be grounded, then you'll know if your getting any spark.