Im trying to get my friends 4runner to run again! he was driving last week and it just all of a sudden quit and won't start up again. Its a 1990 with the 3.0 V6. I checked the fuel pump and filter, pump works and fuel passes through filter. I pulled some spark plugs and they are wet with fuel so it appears the engine is getting fuel. I checked for spark on a couple of cylinders and the plugs are firing! what else should i look at? I usually only work on classic cars and usually if you have fuel spark and compression somethings going to happen! just trying to get my buddies truck going again. Im going out to the shop now to check the timing...maybe a timing gear tooth? any help would be appreciated. thanks

 

That's just it....you may not be getting compression. Check and see if the timing belt has broken. You can pull the plastic timing cover back and see.

 

isn't the distributor driven off the cam? so if the belt's broke, no spinny?

but yeah, a compression check should be done.

 

Well, ya gotta a point there, Abe. Possibly a slipped belt then?

Compression check!

You could also check the rotor position with the crank at TDC for the possible slipped belt. Should be pointing at the #1 terminal on the distributor while on the compression stroke and 180* opposite that on the exhaust stroke. If it's not at either position, then the belt has probably slipped. I don't know.......a little easier than a compression check, I guess. (Some of the plugs are not real easy to get to.)

 

What about an engine ground? Not sure if that would effect the spark, but I'm pretty sure it would effect the injectors.

 

Could be getting the wrong mixture,AFM,CTS
Bigblock

 

AFM and/or coolant temp sensor are good suggestions. If the correct signal for either dropped out sufficiently enough to cause a shut off and no start situation, though, the ECU normally should throw code. Something to check for.....a code, that is. = a blinking check engine light.