Well today I decided to try the key for the heck of it before I started digging through wires, and whadya know? It cranks! Either there's a ghost in the machine or I was being an idiot last time (probably the latter), though I really didn't do anything differently, all I did beforehand was jack the front of the car up . . .

Anyways, moved on the exhaust manifold bolts. The bolts that go from manifold to head are coming loose really easily, almost scary easy . . . though I'm not complaining! The flange bolts on the other hand are nice and snug, so I gave 'em another soaking with Gibbs and will have to find a deep 15mm socket somewhere, or hell I should just invest in a metric set.

Didn't have my iPad today so I wasn't able to borescope the rest of the cylinders, but now that I can turn the engine over easily that will be next.

 

Patrick,

Sometimes the gear shifter switches do not tell the computer that the car is in Neutral, or the clutch pedal is depressed, or in Park (for an automatic). Try the starter while moving the shift lever (or clutch pedal) around slightly, and see if there is an electrical "gap" in the operation of those switches. There should be adjustments available for those switches, if needed, or you may need a new switch.

 

Those switches (clutch or park/neutral) are direct wired in the starter circuit. They are not connected to the PCM. See wiring diagram linked in post #28.

 

Fred,

Thanks, good to know.

 

Finally got some pictures of the even cylinders, except for #8. Haven't gotten that spark plug out yet. I must say that changing plugs on these is a PITA.

Pics:

#2 Looks good to me! Definite crosshatching.

 

#4 is underwater!! Bores looks good despite the flood of coolant, I guess both head gaskets are toast? Man this thing must have gotten super hot

 

#6 was hard to get pictures of, I think because a valve was open letting in extra light? And of course the battery died again before I could turn the engine over more to verify, but here's what I got. I think I see some crosshatching going on? At least no coolant!