Did some work on a 2011 Ford Taurus (head gaskets, water pump, oil pump, tensioners, guides) and decided to throw the top end back together just to see if she'd start up. Here's the overall state upon start up:
Tried starting the engine twice. Each time it sounded like the engine would potentially start up. This was also accompanied by gurgling, which I presumed was the oil pump, as well as a little bit of smoke, which I presume is a result of not having any exhaust manifolds on. But after the second cranking, I decided to check out the timing chain to see if it was still tight. I found that the answer was yes and no.
Between the cam sprocket and upper guide there's a little slack:
However, between the crank timing sprocket and the lower guide, the chain feels rock hard, no tension even if I push on it as hard as I can with my finger:
Any ideas what could cause this situation to occur after only cranking for a few seconds twice?
Keep in mind that:
- air box not installed
- timing cover, and thus engine mount, not installed
- exhaust manifolds not installed
- no coolant
- no metal on metal noise on cranks
- intake variable valve timing
- initial symptoms before job: milky oil, poor compression