I just replaced my '95 22re Canada build engine and am having trouble getting it to start. I have set the timing to TDC compression stroke -5 degrees. The engine will turn over and then idle for a few seconds at about 500 rpm's, and then just die out. If i give it gas it will just die out. I removed the air intake line and had someone else watch inside the carb and saw a lot of explosion and the engine has been backfiring every few attempts to start it. As I am new to this I don't know what else to do, and there aren't a lot of videos or manuals that mention this sort of issues. Any help is much appreciated.

 

Valve lash correct??

 

Not too likely that you have a carburetor. Fuel injected engines use the VAF (Vane Air Flow) meter atop the air filter to determine injector open time. In other words, trying to run a fuel injected engine with the air intake line disconnected is futile.

"Idle a few seconds then die" is the classic sign of a VAF-COR problem. The COR (Circuit Opening Relay) is closed with the key to STArt, and the COR powers the fuel pump. Once the engine starts sucking air, a switch in the VAF closes and IT holds the COR closed after you release the key.

Fortunately, this is the easiest problem to diagnose on the whole vehicle. Jumper FP to B+ in the diagnostic port (this bypasses the COR and forces the fuel pump to run with key-on). If it runs now, you've found the problem.