I hope someone can help me with my problem. I own a 1985 toyota 4wd truck with 300,000 miles on it, up until recently I have had no major problems. My cylinder head had a crack in it, so I purchased a used cylinder head and installed it. The problem at this point was I had to turn my distributor completely counterclockwise to get it to start, but it didn't sound to great. So, I took off the timing chain cover and replaced the guides, tensioner, etc, but I failed to line up the bright links on the timing chain with the appropriate marks on the cam and crankshaft. Three questions. First, what is the importance of lining up the bright links on the timing chain when they have no significant difference in relation to the other links on the chain? Second, why does my truck only start when I turn the distributor completely counterclockwise, when it was running okay before I cracked the head? Third, can someone please help, I am lost? By the way this is the very short version of my story, I also tried to intstall a pre 1985 22r cylinder head on my 85, went to a longer chain, but still had the problems not starting, but it did and does turn when I engage the ignition. I appreciate any help.

 

your timimg is probably 180 deg. out , sounds like you didn't get #1 cyl at top dead ctr. (tdc) you need to make sure you line up the timing mark as well. if you don't have a fsm,haynes, or a chiltons repair manual you should in vest in one , also since you bought a used head, you need to get it milled down so the mating surface is flat, and get new head bolts as well since they will stretch when you tourqe them down. i'm doing the same thing to my 86 4runner myself, so i'm fixing the p.o.'s "repairs" my self. so i feel your pain