Are there any pending codes? Remember it has to trigger the code in the ECU three times I believe before it turns on the check engine light.
How long has the motor been sitting? I swapped a motor years ago and it took a while to burn off the carbon deposits from it sitting, showed same symptoms of running rich.

 

No, pending that I see but my code reader is a cheapo. They claim it sat for 6 months or less, have not driven it yet kinda worried too with the rich condition..

 

This is still whipping me ! Its so rich plugs are BLACK after a few seconds of run time backfires bad ! checked the tps today and reads .64 at idle and 3.87 at wot. In all of my so called wisdom I only downloaded the diagrams and no other manuals on tis.. What all does it read upon start up and idle till it warms up ? Only ran for a 1-2 min max.. Not sure where else to go on trouble shooting.

 

soooo did you pull the upper cover and verify your engine timing?

 

yes, I have checked the engine timming twice..


Seems I figured it out unplugged and plugged the maf, tps , crank and cam sensor and coil packs. and is no longer backfiring.. bad connection I guess, one thing I cant find is the correct placement of the tach wire. never could get a factory diagram for the 88 and the Chilton manual does no show a pin # truck did not have a tach factory and I pulled one from the wrecking yard..

 

Did a little more searching and found the tach wire placement. Biggest problem with this whole swap is I get 30-45 min a night two to three nights a week, and its made for a ruff go of it all.. anyway went for a short run around the block and all but the fuel gauge is working. thought I was just low on fuel and added five more gallons and still not showing on the gauge, grounded gauge out at plug under the seat and it slowly goes to full. Never did check the old cluster so I guess next step is to ohm the sender.. anyone run without a cat on theres with out a cel ?