First timer here. So I just finished replacing the valve cover gaskets, spark plug tube rings, spark plugs, and spark plug wires on my 2007 2.5i SOHC Outback. I get everything back together, including all of the circuit connections (triple checked), and it just cranks; no combustion. There is an intermittent hesitation while cranking. It sounds good for a few seconds, then slurs for a crank or two while the lights dim, then will crank normal again.
I have very little mechanical experience (but not afraid to research and give it a try) so I probably overlooked something or did something stupid... hoping y'all can help me figure out what it was.
I heard an odd buzzing when I first turned the key after the 'repair' so I'm wondering if I have a short somewhere?
Before I started the repair, I pulled the fuel pump fuse and cranked the engine a few times to relieve some pressure in the fuel lines so i could move the fuel injector/rail assembly to access the valve covers. When I was doing this to the drive's side, I took the injectors off the rail and about 1/2oz of gas came out and spilled on the unconnected camshaft position sensor, the two other connectors right there, and inside the valve cover. I wiped it all up with a rag the best I could from the connectors and figured anything that got inside would drain out while the cover was off. Maybe the gas on these connectors or on the valves is causing a problem?
The LH valve cover was a PITA to get out and reinstall with the new gasket. I was as gentle as I could be but there was some contact with the bottom right bolt hole of the cover and the bottom rear component (exhaust valve rocker assembly?). Maybe I was more rough that I thought and damaged/readjusted a valve or something?
Lastly, the spark plug tubes were filled with oil. I soaked up as much oil as I could with rags before pulling and replacing the old plugs. Maybe some remaining oil ran inside when I pulled the old plugs and now its not allowing the new ones to spark?
Any help, questions, or criticism is welcome and appreciated.
-J