1991Corolla will not start when cold

[Salinger]

I have a 1991 corolla with 4AFE engine that doesn't want to start when cold. Dumps gasoline in the cylinders and engine seem to rotate without compression. Whenever I get it started and warmed up, car runs ok. No code in ECU. I would appreciate any help I can get.

[tashirosgt]

I curious what you mean when you say the engine seems to rotate without compression. And you didn't mention whether you checked for spark.

[Salinger]

Originally Posted by Salinger

I have a 1991 corolla with 4AFE engine that doesn't want to start when cold. Dumps gasoline in the cylinders and engine seem to rotate without compression. Whenever I get it started and warmed up, car runs ok. No code in ECU. I would appreciate any help I can get.

[Salinger]

tashirosgt I checked for spark and spark is there. The engine crank as if the timing belt is stripped. Just no kind of compression on the engine. Checked timimg and it didn't jump the timing

[diver9000]

No Compression..............sounds like a blown headgasket to me..

[tashirosgt]

diver9000's idea brings up the question of whether a blown head gasket always results in water mixing with the oil. I suppose not. So a compression test on a cold engine would be a good idea even if you don't have the classic symptoms.

[diver9000]

It is a classic symptom when the oil and water mix, but it is not always the case. You can have a small tear in the gasket and it might not leak water for awhile. It could also be your valves, but to loose all compression seems a bit extreme from out of nowhere.
When you checked the timing.. how did you check it? Even if its a tooth off, that could affect it.

[punter]

Sounds like its low on compression.

So it starts fine when warm? Is it using any oil/water?

[diver9000]

Hey Punter..since everyone seems to agree with the compression idea. Where would you take the idea from here?