Cranks but won't start

[MDavis0424]

2004 LS V8 with 71k miles. Car started this morning and ran for about 10 seconds before stalling. Now it cranks but won't start, but cranking does not sound normal - like no compression as if you were cranking with the spark plugs removed. Engine has been running fine with no unusual noises. My first thought is timing chain problem but I'm not that familiar with the DOHC setup on this engine. Any suggestions before I start tearing it apart? How much crap needs to come off before you can get a look at the chains?

 

[joegr]

An easy thing to do is to unplug the MAF and see if it will start and run without it.
Another thing to do is to listen and see if you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key to run.

I think that it is unlikely this is a timing chain issue. It would probably be very rough and noisy when you tried to start it if it were.

 

[oddball]

Check to make sure the spark plugs are actually seated. Spinning really fast when starting is unusual. Can also do a compression check on the front cylinders quite easily and quickly.