96 Camry...set cam time marks...still won't start
 

Any suggestions? I replaced the head gasket on 1996 Camry 2.2... I then followed the Chiltons instructions of aligning the timing marks on both cam gears...and, #1 cyl was closed. Then, aligned timing mark on cam pulley. Rotated to TDC on crank, then installed belt. Made sure rotor pointed to #1 cylinder, rotated 720 degrees, and marks still all line up....engine turns, got spark and fuel, but no ignition....turns over with dull "pop" sound evenly as rotates.

I've rechecked the timing marks about 4 times now...can't figure it out! I stripped two bolts connecting the exhaust pipe to the cat converter, which is directly connected to the exhaust manifold...will a leak like this cause the vehicle from firing??? Pressurized or something bizarre? Having machine shop now pull stripped studs from cat...

RE: 96 Camry...set cam time marks...still won't start
 

OMG! LOL...I had the cams timed not at TDC compression stroke...I was 180 degrees off! I feel like a jackass, all day yesterday trying to figure it out....shulda just sat back relaxed watched the game, and waited until today when my brain was working!!

RE: 96 Camry...set cam time marks...still won't start
 

Not that first one that installed the timing system 180 degrees off, at least it is an easy fix