i just finished up my new head gasket job and started up my 94 4runner 3.0. it cranks but doesnt turn over. timing belt was set on all the correct markings, tdc @ zero and rotor pointing @ #1 spark plug position. could a vacuum leak cause it not to turn over. still looking for a detailed diagram for the plenum which all the vacuum hoses connect to. please help

 

Did you try searching?? I know there are a few places to find the diagram.
there should be one on the hood also. A leak won't stop it from turning over only from starting.
I just rebuild a 3.POS and it too won't start. check all the grounds, make sure the one on the back of the right head is hooked up.
make sure your dizzy is correct. I should point at the #1 post on the cap not at the spark plug....Good luck with that......

 

so after reading both your post I got an idea of your problems. Now I would suggest getting a FSM, there are some likes here for that. There is a fuel return line that could get hooked to a vacuum port and suck tons of gas into the engine. I am sure your problem is timing as most no start 3.POS issues are from that. pull the bolt from the dizzy and turn the dizzy while cranking the motor over. check the grounds, there should be 4. 3 on the engine and 1 from the body to the - of the battery.

 

the dist. rotor has to point at #1 plug when the #1 cylinder is at TDC of the compression stroke... you can verify that by checking the valve clearances of the #1 cylinder- both should be loose- i.e.: the cam is not actuating either valve.

 

okay so i double checked the timing again and all the marks are lined up perfectly. had a friend rotate the dizzy while i tried starting it but still doesnt fire up smoothly. once started, i keep having to pump the gas a few times to keep it running and then it dies out. im guessing its something with the fuel. would this be the cause of a bad charcoal canister? im getting a strong smell of gas fuems from the engine. or am i overlooking the fuel injectors.

 

Check that fuel return line as someone else has mentioned. Here is a picture that shows all of the lines in the right places:

 

Sounds like a big vacuum leak. It's happened to me on several occasions where I left the brake booster line uplugged.

 

He said he is smelling strong gas fumes. I bet there is a vacuum line hooked to the fuel return nipple under the manifold.

 

woops, sorry i didnt read all the way through

 

Engh....I was thinking he meant rich exhaust.

Yeah...there's no telling. Pics would be good.