dwiegand

I just wanted to share a simple solution to a problem I encountered today that gave me a two hour headache. Hopefully it can be helpful to someone else.

Today I tried starting up my 3VZE after finishing up timing the engine last night which was the final step in my two week engine rebuild after blowing a head gasket. I discovered a rough idle and a very rich smelling exhaust. I couldn't figure out why it would be running so rough since I had it purring the night before. The only things I had changed since timing the engine were the spark plugs and the air filter. So I proceeded to reinstall the old spark and try again but again no luck. I also noticed whenever I had the key in the on position and before cranking the engine I could hear the fuel pump running inside the fuel tank.

It turns out that when I replaced the air filter I cleaned out the filter compartment with an air compressor and had stuck the flap in the VAF in the open position which caused the fuel pump to run whenever the key was on and therefore causing the engine to run rich. So I just reached my finger into the VAF and released the small spring loaded flap and all was well again.

I hope this can help someone and limit the amount of time spent on such a simple problem.