I just recently put new head gaskets in my 1990 Toyota pickup, it has the 3vze engine, i have tinkered with it quite a bit but cant keep it running, it'll start for maybe 2 seconds then bog out and back fire out the intake. Any suggestions? Its driving me crazy!

 

Check your timing and make sure it isn't out 180*, or even off by a tooth.

Then: Fuel, Compression, Spark.

 

the timings to a tee, i just had to flush the fuel system because it had a ˟˟˟˟ load of water in it, now it'll start run great for about 10 seconds bog down and and die, with a little backfire out the intake, im clue less, i have plenty of fuel getting to the intake. i dont have the air filter or cam covers on yet, just trying to keep it running first

 

Trying adding some water remover to the fuel. Also if there is an issue with the afm the computer freaks out after the truck runs for a few seconds.

Was it hydrolocked? might want to try a compression test

 

I just did a Rebuild of my 3.0 This Spring, I had a Similar issue. I check the timing pullys 3 times. it turn out being that the distributer was off one tooth.

 

Does the engine sound in time when starting?

Take a look at your EGR vaccume tubes also...one hooked up backwords could cause it to run like this and die out...you would hear a loud noise around the intake on the right side when running.

 

Ahh i got it going had vacumes crossed, does anyone have a vaccume scmadic? yea i know i suck at spelling!

 

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...74layoutan.pdf

HTH

 

Just a thought, dont you need the correct vacuum the valve covers provide with a good seal? Like when you take off your oil cap on the valve cover, you lose the vacuum and it runs rough and wants to die. Just thinking outloud. Dont know if this is required or related.

 

Nice schematic Ardent.

I'm glad you figured out your major issue Mbomberz1!
What vacuum tubes were backwords? The ones in the Tri tubes on the right side under the intake?

Yes all that other stuff is important to it's run ability...especially the PVC and Vent lines on the valve covers..you also want to check and make sure you dont' have any cracks in your air intake tubes...they always crack right around the throttle body causing a higher and rough idle.

 

If you have any more questions PM me...I don't get on here as often as I should.

 

Yea it was the tri lines that run into the side of the intake next to the EGR valve

 

Dang that was a good guess!

I'm glad it was easy.

I just had one come in the shop a few weeks ago with the same problem...it also had a leaky P/S pump and a broken vacuum line down below and was sucking in P/S fluid right next to the EGR in the intake...

Guy thought he needed a new engine.