So I finally got everything all back together today(working around the turbo is a PITA), filled all the fluids, etc. Cold set the valve lash, pulled the plugs and cranked the engine a few times to start moving oil through. Put the plugs back in, hooked up all the plug wires, and ready to start.

She cranks nicley, and the motor defonitly sounds like it wants to start(kind like when it's really cold). But it won't start. I double checked the plug wires to make sure they're all snug(yup), but she still won't go. And I keep getting a little backfire every few seconds.

It will crank (and sounds cold) for a few seconds, backfire a bit, and then not want to crank. Turn the key off, and it cranks nicley again.

Anyone have any thoughts?

I also discovered I have a coolant leak...and it looks to be in a really annoying spot. I'm not sure exactly where, but it's dripping down from above the alternator. Best way of dealing with a spot like this without draining it and pulling the rad again?

 

sounds like a timing issue. try moving the distributor or have some one help as you crank the motor. they can spin the dist

 

leak = fix it before you determine why it wont start.
then reset the static timing and try again...

 

Well, I got the leak fixed, turns out I didn't have a hose clamp tight enough...but it was the hose that connects to the output of the timing cover...stupid pulling the rad.

I got the truck to fire up for a little bit. My timing was "on"(I'm sure it'll still need to be adjusted), but I had the plug wires in the wrong spot. I had them 1-2-3-4 going CCW from 1, where as it was supposed to be 1-2-4-3. Oh well, worted out.

I got the truck started, and it ran really rough, but "idled" around 1700, then slowly dropped down. Then it stalled.

Started it again(dist all the way CW), it started, but I had to keep on the gas to keep it running. again though it stalled out after about 45sec.

3rd time: Dist all the way CCW: seemed to run a little smoother, but I still had to keep on the gas to keep it running. again stalled out after about 45sec.

4th time: dist all the way CCW, but I screwed the idle adjust screw on the TB in more. Truck started, ran really rough, died instantly.

I turned the idle screw back out, but the truck doesn't want to fire up again. I just hear the started, but don't here it firing. Tired this a couple times.

 

Get a timing light on it when you get a chance. It doesn't have to be exact, but it will help you bring it into ballpark until you can get it idling correctly..

 

Did you happen to have the distributer out?

Rob