Well, it did partially start once, but the engine was running backwards

This is a 96 sunfire 2.4 Manual w/ 162xxx miles. The previous owner (friend) bought the car to fix it. He couldn't figure it out so i gave him how much he bought it for. While he had it he rebuilt the head and put in new(ish) injectors and I just bought a new starter for it and replaced the FPR.

The timing is good, I have spark, i have fuel/fuel pressure. I'm not sure what's going on. It cranks and acts like it wants to start, but never will. I keep getting flames from the throttle body when it tries to start and as i said the motor actually ran backwards once when i released the key while cranking.

Any ideas? If I need to go more in depth just say. Thanks in advance.

Tried cranking again today - still nothing. I don't have a CEL either. I'm stumped.

If the engine ran backwards----Clue 1

There are flames from the throttle body---Clue 2.

The valve timing can not be correct, I think you should carefully check the crankshaft/camshaft(s) relationship.

A two cycle/stroke engine or a diesel MIGHT run backwards but it should be impossible with a four stroke with the correct valve timing

As always, I stand ready to be corrected, but I 'm quite confident on this one


Hope you get it fixed


Alont

I put the bolts in the holes for the cams, and the marks line up on the crank and block. What else do I need to do? The Manual says that is all that's needed. Is it wrong or am I just missing something. Thanks in advance.

I have no info on 2.4's but something must be out of alignment.

Is it possible that the cam wheel(s) have slipped/moved on the camshaft?


Alont