I just finished installing a used engine in my 89 4x4. Its a 22re that the previous owner said had low miles. Anyway I put it in my truck and got it running for about 30 seconds. It was rough but strong. I got out of the truck and went to the engine bay to set the timing and it just quit I didnt touch a thing and it just quit. So I went back into the cab and tried to start it. Nothing but cranking. No start. I checked a few things and this is what I have so far:

-Spark is reaching the cylinders.
-Fuel is getting to the filter (I dont know if its getting further, how would I check?).
-The timing is close enough for the engine to run (it was running)
-Battery ground to block is good but I dont know about others.

Thanks guys - I kinda need this thing to run so I can get back on the road and quit bumming rides!

 

Did you adjust those valves? That would cause your problem.

 

No I didnt. That would make it quit and not start again?

 

yes if they were WAY out adjustment.

i did something similiar and was stranded after it quit. it was quite embarassing when my auto shop teacher pulled the valve cover off and there were 8 rockers arms in a pile

 

Oh yeah, that sent me in circles for days when I taught myself how to replace the head gasket. It's easy to adjust them and you definely have too.

 

could there be a fuel block between the filter and the engine? When I pulled the plugs they seemed dry? I guess I will pull the valve cover and check the valves but I dont know how they would just go so far out of adjustment that the truck would quit like that all of the sudden?!
Is there a fuse that could have blown that controls the Fuel Injectors or something?
THIS SUCKS!!

 

If you want to see if it's a fuel prob, spray some starting fluid & see if it fires up then go from there. If it fires up,find the fuel block. yes there is a fuel fuse, I beleive there is one in the kick panel & another main one under the hood in the main fuse block

 

Good advice, start simple & work your way up. I'm guessing fuel problem. A minute or so is about how long an engine will run on the fuel already in the carb & lines.

 

if the valves aren't adjusted they may not open to let fuel into the cylinder either.

 

in addition to fuel & valves, some issues with the VAFM will cause an engine to not run like that (air leak into intake). Do you have pics?

 

Sounds like you ran out of gas. Do you hear your fuel pump?

Rob

 

mine turned out to be a blown fuse in the kick panel that went to the fuel pump. We didnt hear it when we turned on the ignition.Replaced the fuse and it started right up.