85 pickup won't crank [noob thread]
Feb 2, 2008 | 08:01 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
85 pickup won't crank [noob thread]
Hey guys. I'm hoping someone might be able to give me a bit of direction on an issue I've been having.
A few years back, my dad did some engine work on an '85 Toyota pickup he was going to give to me when I got my license. It was burning oil, and wouldn't pass the emissions tests. After replacing the valve seals, the distributor, and a few other assorted parts (he didn't tell me what they were), he put the engine back together, but it wouldn't start. After disassembling and reassembling the thing several times, he finally gave up, and left it in pieces. Ironically, the vehicle is now more than 20 years old, and wouldn't need to pass emissions testing now.
Anyway, a few months ago, a friend and I put everything back together to see if we could get the truck to start up. The timing chain appeared to be TDC, and the distributor appeared to be installed correctly. We put a gallon of gas in the tank, and attached a battery, but it wouldn't even crank. Whenever we turned the key, it just made a "clunk" kinda sound.
One day, While I was walking down the side of the road last summer, someone stopped and offered me a ride. I gratefully accepted, and started talking to the guy, and it turned out that he was a mechanic. Once he told me that, I didn't hesitate to tell him about my situation. He told me something about putting a screwdriver in some hole to hold something in place, and turning something else... Unfortunately, I can't remember what he was talking about. I think he was saying something about having to have the first cylinder TDC as well, and he was telling me how to adjust it.
My question is, was whatever that guy was trying to tell me actually the solution to my problem? If so, can someone expand on it for me, and explain what I'd need to do so I don't wind up making it worse? If not, can someone give me a suggestion on what I need to do?
In before "take it to the shop," "replace the engine," or anything like that- I don't have a penny to my name right now. I may have $500 coming my way soon, but I'd like to fix the problem and use the $500 to register and insure the thing.
Thanks.
A few years back, my dad did some engine work on an '85 Toyota pickup he was going to give to me when I got my license. It was burning oil, and wouldn't pass the emissions tests. After replacing the valve seals, the distributor, and a few other assorted parts (he didn't tell me what they were), he put the engine back together, but it wouldn't start. After disassembling and reassembling the thing several times, he finally gave up, and left it in pieces. Ironically, the vehicle is now more than 20 years old, and wouldn't need to pass emissions testing now.
Anyway, a few months ago, a friend and I put everything back together to see if we could get the truck to start up. The timing chain appeared to be TDC, and the distributor appeared to be installed correctly. We put a gallon of gas in the tank, and attached a battery, but it wouldn't even crank. Whenever we turned the key, it just made a "clunk" kinda sound.
One day, While I was walking down the side of the road last summer, someone stopped and offered me a ride. I gratefully accepted, and started talking to the guy, and it turned out that he was a mechanic. Once he told me that, I didn't hesitate to tell him about my situation. He told me something about putting a screwdriver in some hole to hold something in place, and turning something else... Unfortunately, I can't remember what he was talking about. I think he was saying something about having to have the first cylinder TDC as well, and he was telling me how to adjust it.
My question is, was whatever that guy was trying to tell me actually the solution to my problem? If so, can someone expand on it for me, and explain what I'd need to do so I don't wind up making it worse? If not, can someone give me a suggestion on what I need to do?
In before "take it to the shop," "replace the engine," or anything like that- I don't have a penny to my name right now. I may have $500 coming my way soon, but I'd like to fix the problem and use the $500 to register and insure the thing.
Thanks.
Feb 2, 2008 | 08:46 AM
#2
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
zd92655
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
9
Mar 6, 2022 12:58 PM
