A fiend has a 1997 Accord SE. Firing order 1-3-4-2. Cylinder location (looking from the front) 4-3-2-1. Well, he changed plug wires but heplaced wires into distributor cap 1-2-3-4. BONEHEAD, I know!!!

Now that wires are correct, the car willturn overbut not start. We pulled the plugs and 3 of the 4 were fouled ( #1,#2,#3dry, blackcarbon residue).

QUESTION - Since it is an interference engine and he had the firing order messed up, what's the possibility of valve stem damage? I would think high. Is there any other possibility that may cause this "no start" issue?

Just prior to plug and wire replacement, DTC - cylinder #1 misfire.

Any help or suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

Plugs being out of order should not cause valve damage, unless somehow timing belt jumped time due to back fire or engine turning backwards.

Check for spark visually and using a timing light to see if spark will cause timing light to flash. Check base timing while turning engine over. Should be about 15 deg. BTDC.

Check for fuel pressure by cracking banjo bolt on fuel rail. You should get a strong spray of fuel.

Ignitor or coil may have been damaged. See DIY procedure to detect coil or ignitor failure. Loss of spark can sometimes cause coil or ignitor to fail.

good luck