I recently replaced the headgasket on my '83 22r, I got it started, but still wanted to die at idle. I did not think much about as it is very cold here and the truck hasn't ran in about 5 months. I drove it around the block, but now it won't start back up. Anyone have any idea where to start diagnosing this issue?

 

start with checking/rechecking the timing.

 

Well, I adjusted it by hand to get it started in the first place, and it fired right up. I've tried readjusting it but still won't start. Wondering if the gas has gone bad and causing my problems?

 

Did you test the compression? After a HG job, there's a lot of things that could be wrong...What have you checked so far? Then we can go from there..

 

No, didn't get to check the compression. Actually got it running last night. Yesterday there was a slight fuel smell so I let it sit a while, adjusted the timing, and now she starts and idles fine. Now on to the next problem. Test drove it for a while, came back to check for leaks while it was idling and sure enough there was coolant coming from the water pump. Seems that I may have overtightened the drive belt and wore bearing and seal in the pump. Whatever, I'l take that over water leaking from the HG.