2000 Saab 9-3 Won't Start After Head Gasket Change

[Miozu]

My Saab had a terrible coolant leak with white smoke and overheating that I concluded to be a blown head gasket. After replacing the gasket and putting the engine back together, I tried starting it only to find the engine misfiring and violently shaking. I also noticed my coolant's pressure started to increase to the point where when I took the coolant reservoir cap off, it would overflow. Shortly after I realized the timing chain was reinstalled incorrectly which would explain the excess pressure in the cooling system, so I went back in and realigned both camshafts along with the timing chain and crankshaft. I reset the tensioner and heard the clicks as well as saw the chain tighten. The timing chain was perfect so I tried starting the car again. I also changed my spark plugs to double platinums because I accidentally broke one while checking them. When I tried to start the engine all I heard was wheezing noises. It didn't sound like the engine was cranking just a wheezing noise coming from engine/distributor area. I know the battery is not dead and I'm hoping I didn't bend/brake any valves with the off timing chain and cause my cylinder compression to be off, I'm going to rent a compression test kit tomorrow to check. I'll post the audio of the engine failing to start, if anyone knows what could be wrong please help.

[Miozu]

The file uploader seems to not work so here is a link of the video of my car trying to start
https://youtu.be/pVCggNBbxkU

[geoff 9-3]

How far out was the timing? Did you reconnect the earth connections on the engine?

[Miozu]

geoff 9-3, I couldn’t tell exactly how off the timing was because the cams weren’t all in their original starting position but I did notice when I aligned one of the cam shafts, the other had a decent amount of adjusting I had to do before it caught up. The earth connections should be good, I believe the only ground connection I removed in the process was the one connecting the wire harness to the intake manifold and I reinstalled that(10mm bolt).

[geoff 9-3]

Did you fit the correct spark plugs? NGK PFR 6H-10

Did you check the camshaft alignments match?



When one of my pistons broke the engine was giving out loads of back pressure from the oil filler cap.
https://youtu.be/Ft0iH-Hsy2U

[Miozu]

geoff 9-3, I got the spark plugs from an Advanced Auto Parts store and the guy just looked up the saab's model and said these were compatible, ACDelco 41-801. Do you think that could be the issue? And the camshafts matched up perfectly. By the way thanks for taking the time to help me.

[Miozu]

Could it have something to do with the throttle body at all? I did dismantle the wire part and put it back together. Also the spring seems loose.

[geoff 9-3]

The incorrect spark plug could effect the ignition coil pack.

[geoff 9-3]

Can you check for any error codes?

[Miozu]

I rented a compression test kit but when I turn the key in the ignition, it makes the same noise, the spinning/wheezing noise, but no effect to the compression gauge. This means the engine isn't even cranking right? I'm going to borrow a diagnostic tool tomorrow.