Picked up a 2009 2.2L LAP VVT on a whim the other day. No start condition.

Compression 125lbs on all 4 cylinders
Good spark on all 4 cylinders
About 58lbs fuel pressure constant
Good battery and starter
116K miles.

Wondering if timing chain could be the issue.

Spraying starting fluid into the intake doesnt help.

Got engine to start for a few seconds a few times, but dies soon thereafter, now will not start at all.

 

I'm assuming no engine codes? Did you try to read the computer, sometimes you have pending codes.

Have you tried unplugging the MAF and see if it will start.

Pull valve cover to see if that all looks good.
Pull timing cover last and rotate the engine to see if timing is on.

 

I unplugged the MAF, still no start.

No trouble codes, except for the evaporative emissions code I triggered when I left the gas cap off for a bit.

I'll pull the valve cover and see how things look today

 

Check the fuel pump fuse or relay

When you turn the key to the run position do you hear the fuel pump pressurize the system? It is very audible from behind the left drivers side wheel.

Not sure if 09 cobalt fuel filter is serviceable. The 2006 was.

 

Yes, good fuel pressure. In fact, I used the fuel pump to pump out the entire tank earlier.

 

Does anyone have the full FSM for this engine?

 

do you have something that allows you to watch the data stream from the pcm? id be watching the crank sensor rpm while cranking. same with the cam sensor rpm.

 

Unfortunately not