1991 won't start after running hot

[Greg95SHO]

I'm helping a friend do work on a 91 plus model that he was driving on the freeway. The temp gauge went into the red zone and he pulled over right away. The coolant was bubbling after shut down. There was a coolant leak that he fixed the next day. He turnd the motor over with the spark plugs out and a little coolant came out of some cylinders. He replaced the plugs and tried starting it and got a backfire through the intake. It would not start or run.
He brought it to me to have the cps replaced thinking this may solve the problem with the engine not running. I replaced the cps and still the same...cranks but no start. Timing belt was done recently and is fine. I verified spark and can smell fuel.
I hooked up compression gauge and I'm getting very low readngs---only up to 60 psi. Even if the head gaskets are blown shouldn't it have better compression and at least run(with white smoke)?
I'm not sure where to go from here...anyone know what to do next?

Thanks!
Greg

 

[SHOZ123]

Sounds like blown head gaskets and warped heads unfortunately. A compression check should confirm this.

 

['94SHO]

Maybe...

If his timing belt jumped a tooth, that could duplicate those exact symptoms.
Tell him to check his timing before he get's it started and melts something.
And he probably blew a head gasket.. Great time for a 60K!! (unless the head
(s) are shot).

 

[Greg95SHO]

The timing belt looked fine and had proper tension...I don't see how it could jump a tooth.

Can the heads be repaired or are they junk?

Greg

 

['94SHO]

Maybe...

You need a straight edge, and some feeler gauges, Lay the straight edge
diagonally across the head and check with the gauges.. Don't quote me, but
I think the spec. is .002? Even if they are warped a little, you can have them machined back into spec... Make sure to spray the area around the
spark plug with solvent to look for hairline (or large) cracks. You will also
need to check the block in the same manner for warpage..
A timing belt jumping a tooth USUALLY results in overheating, poor running,
terrible idle, and a no-start condition... AND if re-started, can melt pistons,
rings, spark plug electrodes.. ( ask me how I know!!!):angelnot:
(something like 18 degrees ******** per tooth?)

 

[SHOZ123]

Can't machine the heads too much or you will through the cam timing off.