espace valve timing

[tidge65]

Hi,
Got a 2.0 1994 espace.

Blew a head gasket today, done a strip down and discovered the cylinder head knackered (technical term) got another head and new gasket, plus bolts. refitted the new head, set up the timing, not easy on an espace no marks for the crank pully. Tried to restart, but nothing ,just turning over like theres no spark or fuel, but there is both. Got to be the timing out of sync, but i be dammed if i can get it right. Took no 1 plug out and put a screwdriver in to get the piston on the highest point, set the cam timing up by the marks on the pulley, but still no start.The only other thing is bad compression, but you would still get a rough start.
Any ideas

[goldfinche]

Hi this may not be of any help at all as I dont know the 2.0 at all. this is a pretty rough and ready way that is usually good enough to get an engine running (I must add be it at your own risk) I dont know if any damage has been done already. How do you know it has bad compression? Anyway back to timing. Rod/screwdriver down plug hole bring piston (number 1 cylinder) up to top dead center as accurately as you are able, not on the compression stroke IE: 1 turn on from the compression stroke at top dead center, the valves at that point (for that cylinder) should be "on the rock" that is both open by an equal amount , exhaust closing and inlet opening. I hope that makes sence it's a lot easier to do than explain. This should be good enough to get the engine to run. That is IF the ignition timing is correct.
See how it goes.
Best wishes.
Geoff.

[AndersDK]

Could be as simple as the HT leads not fitted correctly.
Hint : any Haynes manual will have the general procedure for the valve timing - and clearance setting/checking.