S4 N/A rebuild..low compression and no start

[JustJeff]

I've been away from the forums for a little bit of time.

I got the engine to turn over and idle. A little oil in the spark plug holes and some starting fluid sprayed in the intake. It took a little bit of cranking but once it got started it idled just fine. It smoked like crazy, but it idled. I left him to put all the accessories on and give it back to his customer....but then I get a call a few days later and now it won't start again.

So far as I know the only thing he did was put the alternator, air pump, ps and ac, and clutch fan on. Oh and he tightened up the exhaust manifold bolts. He tried doing the oil and starter fluid again. I don't know how much oil he put in the spark plug holes.

I'm wondering a few things. Maybe all the smoke from burning off the oil and starter fluid clogged the cat? Other thing fouled plugs or just plain flooded from him putting too much oil in the housings?

[RETed]

Originally Posted by JustJeff

Maybe all the smoke from burning off the oil and starter fluid clogged the cat?

Not likely...
If it can burn and allow the engine to run, it'll fly right through the cats.
I've run QUARTS of ATF in engines without plugging the stock cats up.
Starter fluid will burn clean.
I've seen blown turbos that'll empty the sump in minutes contaminate the cats but not clog them - it'll cause the exhaust to smoke for a couple hours, but cast still working.

Other thing fouled plugs or just plain flooded from him putting too much oil in the housings?

This is most likely the case.
The spark plugs do NOT like any excessive fluids (oil or gasoline) on the center electrodes.
This area is very porous and just a little bit of oil / fuel will cause a weak spark or eliminate the spark all together.


-Ted