I have searched the forums but I’m still stumped. I have an '87 4WD 22r. Sometimes it fires right up sometimes it just spins over. When it does start sometimes it spits and sputters and other times it runs fine. I am running a Weber 38. I smell gas when it doesn't start, the clear inline filter is full of gas and the fuel pressure is running 2-3 lbs so it’s getting fuel. The choke is not sticking (I even backed it off). I pulled the coil wire from the disty to check the ignitor for spark. I'm getting an orange spark. Should it be blue or is this normal? Does an ignitor crap out totally or can it cause intermittent problems?

I also read on the forums that a timing chain can possibly cause it not to start. I pulled the valve cover to check the guides. They are still there but the chain is VERY loose and it makes the slapping noise until the oil pressure builds up. Is the slapping normal at startup or do I need a kit? I assume since it runs fine at times it can’t be the timing chain causing the problem. Am I right?

I would greatly appreciate some help as it’s my daily driver.

 

Plugs, wires and dizzy cap and rotor is where I would look first.

Any electrical component can fail but keep it simple at first.

Check every connection and clean all grounds.

See where that gets you.

I'll try to find the link to the ignitor multimeter tests and get back to you

 

Prob. not timing chain. I think it sounds like a worn out distributor. Pull the cap and rotor. See if you can wiggle the shaft that the rotor fits on.

 

After you get spark figured out don't forget about that timing chain before it's too late.

I just did a cover on my 4runner compared the old chain to another used chain and it was at least 1.5 links stretched with no guides missing.

Noticing it is slack is a good catch.

Fix it before it bites you

 

Also if you have a 22R not RE, there is a good write up to convert your truck to run a gm setup that is very inexpensive versus the 4-500 dollar toyota setup

 

http://www.justanswer.com/uploads/ga...215343_one.pdf

That is the most detailed ignitor test I have been able to find.

Hope it helps