2004 Explorer turning over but not starting

[Blazen8899]

Okay, so I'm at a total loss, hopefully somebody can shed some light on this situation.... So I bought this explorer non running from a private individual, they replaced the engine out of another 2004 explorer 4.0 and they could never get it running, their mechanic said the timing jumped a tooth which it did, I had my dad check it and the engine was low on compression (bent or burnt valves) and sure enough was out of time, we tried and tried to get this engine running but it just kept jumping time, so instead of replacing all of the timing components in that engine which we also didn't know the mileage on, we went and got the original engine from the people I bought it from that busted a timing chain tensioner... we replaced all the tensioners, guides, spark plugs, coil pack, and crank sensor... when my dad put the engine in it cranked over, ran rough for about 2 seconds and shut off, back to cranking but not starting.... fuel pressure is good, spark is good, and it's getting air... it also will not start on starting fluid, PATS system light comes on and goes off after 3 seconds like it's supposed to.... however when I was cranking on it the other day the small ground wire going from the negative battery terminal to the front of the car (above the headlight?) Started smoking and got really hot to the touch, hot enough I could only touch it for a fraction of a second... but it only did this after extensive cranking 1+ minutes.... any ideas are greatly appreciated, like I've said, I'm at a loss. It's a 2004 Ford explorer xlt 4.0 flex fuel

 

[Blazen8899]

Bump for help!

 

[Blazen8899]

Runs with plugs 4 5 and 6 out, sounds like hell but it runs, what could be keeping my driver's side bank from firing? Spark is fine, fuel pressure is where it's supposed to be.... could those 3 injectors not spraying cause it not to start with those 3 plugs in?

 

[TechGuru]

Not quite sure how you managed that. If the left bank plugs are removed it should not run at all because these use a wasted spark ignition where both sides get sparks at the same time. Unless you grounded the ends of the spark plug wires for the unplugged sides...

Are you sure the spark plug wires are connected properly? I'm almost willing to bet you have 5&6 reversed considering it's off of what one would think it would be on the coil while 1-2-3 are straight forward.

 

[Blazen8899]

Plugs are routed just like that, and nope, not grounded at all, unless the parts store sold me the wrong coil pack lol

 

[TechGuru]

Well, it's wasted spark ignition so if one side is firing, both sides are firing.

So I would look at your fuel injectors. If they're working you should have fuel spraying out of the left side spark holes while it's running in the right side.

Next step would be to check the left side's timing. It might be wrong.

 

[Blazen8899]

I shall tear back into it again then, I'm really hoping it didn't jump time. Thanks for your help

 

[TechGuru]

Should be able to tell something by removing the valve cover and turning the crank with a wrench...

If there is a problem, at least this is the side accessible from the front! heh