AKripper

i have a 90 toyota 4runner 3.0 liter V6. i replaced the head gasket today and i got it back together correctly but i cant seem to get it to run. IT turns over and everything but it dosnt even sputter or anything. its getting a spark too and i can smell a little bit of fuel from the throttle body. im thinking its the EFI or my timing is reallllllllyyyy off but it sounds like its correct or farlly close. also my airfilter box makes clicking noises. i need help ASAP, i will appreciate any helpful comments, thanks.

curtiswyant

Need four things to run: compression, timing, spark, and fuel. Set the engine at TDC and go from there.

Bumpin' Yota

what he said! Pull the plugs crank and see if the plug themselves are all sparking then thats not a problem. The next thing to check is fuel. With the key on "on" disconnect the fuel return line from the FPR and then press in on the VAFM's intake vane. This should kick on the fuel pump, and if it does fuel will squirt out of the FPR.

compression is self evident - put a compression tester in and check.

Lastly timing.

Both cam sprokets should have thier arrows perfectly vertical in line with the rear timing cover's indentations. (#1 cyl [passenger side front] should have both valves closed) Next align the crank gear's mark with the oil pump's timing mark, then check that the #1 cylinder is at top dead center...if it's not rotate the crank 360* it should be at TDC then. Lastly check that the distributor is properly put in. It has 2 timing marks, one on the gear drive the other on the stationary housing. When properly aligned, the rotor should be facing cylinder #1's spark plug wire.

Aside from that check that you have zero vacuum leaks, that EVERYTHING is plugged back in including the VAFM...

Hope that helps

AKripper

thanks for the help guys

ovrrdrive

Sure you're not 180 degrees out on your timing?

Make sure you're on #1 TDC on compression.

yota_krazy

also make sure all vacuum hoses are routed correctly. There are 2 from the power steering that hook up to the intake, dont get them confused with the fuel return line. been there, done that.

DH6twinotter

Could it be air in the fuel line? I know when I put my fuel rails back on after changing the knock sensor, it took quite a few tries to get it fired up.

Bumpin' Yota

ditto that even after i bled the fuel system it still took quite a while to fire up...post valve shimming

AKripper

i have spark and im pretty sure the timing is good, may not be perfect but close. i think i may have a vacuum leak somewhere, all my hoses are where there suppost to be so ill check the fuel rails again, i smell fuel and see some drops coming out of my throttle body when i unhooked the tube that goes to the filter box. also when i turn it over i here a banging/ clicking noise coming from my air intake, have no idea whats making it do that. BUt before i can check the rest i need my new battery haha. but thanks for the help guys, i may find my problem here veryyyy soon.

Beast

It is a common mistake

AKripper

ok i just replaced my battery and its cranking. i believe it could be my timing now its like baffling air at the throttle body like its pushing it back out. and i can see a litle bit of fuel around my #2 fuel injector. soo i think im gunna put #1 to TDC and set my cams too and hope it works. i might as well why im down there to put new gaskets and orings around my fuel injectors.

Bumpin' Yota

yeah it sounds like your crank is 180* out of time with your cams....common mistake even seasoned mechanics do. Remember that crank turns 2x for every 1 turn of the camshaft, so timing is critical!!

TNRabbit

Make sure the AFM connector has good contact. Sounds like it might not be. Do you get any engine code?

AKripper

well im gunna retime it after class today and redo my fuel injectors. im also gunna try to figure out my engine check light and see what my computer says. but u guys have been a lot of help. i was clueless last week when i started this haha. thanks

jbyrdman

ok I know this is an old thread but....I am having the same issues with mine, I have a 91 4runner, v6, I haven't done anything to it latley, the Head Gasket repair was done before I bought it over a year ago. This morning I pull out of my drive way and it stalls. When I tried to start it back it just turns and won't fire. I see fuel on the #2 injector and can smell it. Also have a clicking coming from my air intake, like the valve is opening and closing real fast....ripper did you ever figure out what was wrong.....there's no way my timing could go off that bad overnight right?