Recently, 2 weeks ago, my 1997 Tacoma was stolen, then recovered last week.
They stole my battery, stereo, catalytic converter and smashed out the passenger window. The engine is the 5ZV-FE.
After I got the vehicle back, and tried starting it at the impound yard, about 2 gallons of swamp gook came out of the tailpipe where the Cat Convert was.

Since that time, I have been unable to start the engine.

1. found a broken camshaft sensor holder that I replaced

2. mud debris on the timing belt and pulleys ( there is also mud inside car that drowned the ABS [air-bag system] control unit. I sprayed the cable plug at the sensor and the 6-second lite test seems OK)

3. # 4 plug was drowning, others were OK

4.checked timing marks [recently replaced water pump and had the book, but it was stolen with all my tools] both cam shaft notches 12 O'clock & crank notch @ 0

5. spark seems good with screwdriver to ground, but my next mode of attack is to remove plugs, turn over engine and probe each cylinder.

6. when the engine is trying to start, it sounds like to me the timing is off, it backfires, and there is the smell of unburnt gas.

7. one disturbing thing: the plug wires, driver side, appear to be out of order 3-1-5, but what i need to know is which passenger side coils go to what driver side plugs.

 

Any luck?

I know nothing about that engine, sorry.

I just figured I'd give this thread a bump for ya.

See if it'll catch enough attention to get it moved to the right forum so's you can maybe get some advice from some folks that do know about the 5vz.

 

Have you checked the library where you live for service manuals? Do you know anyone else with the same truck? Best of luck man, I know this can't be any fun..