Just dropped a rebuilt 3vze into my 89. I had to pull the plenum a couple times to chase down a coolant leak. But the engine started up and ran smooth prior to that. This last time it started up and ran fine til it warmed up then began hesitating before it quit. After the engine cooled it started back up and ran for a short time before it quit again and then would start and sputter only. Now will not start at all. Any ideas?

 

Any trouble codes?

 

Don't have anything to check for codes. Working with limited supply of tools. Only what was needed to drop the engine in.

 

Read this.
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...es/index.shtml
And have one of these handy

 

I'll check and let you know.

 

Do the easy stuff first; trouble codes, timing, and I'd probably check compression just because it is so easy to do.

But if the only thing to change before/after was removing the plenum, the most likely problem is an error in reconnecting the vacuum lines.

 

Working on getting the trouble codes and will post the results soon. Not likely the timing ad the engine was running good after the plenum was reinstalled. I'm leaning towards a fuel delivery problem. I was very meticulous with labeling the vacuum lines prior to removal but they are getting old.

 

Check for any cracks in the intake hose, also.

 

Ok. Checked for codes using the system in the above link but got no response.

 

Thanks tnrabit intake hose/ tubing in good condition. Any other ideas?

 

pull the plenum off again and check the fuel injector wiring harness. I know when I pulled my valve covers off I had to remove the passenger side plugs and lost the little plastic clip on one of them. Zip tied it down and solved the problem. Maybe one is not fully engaged and that is causing/caused your sputtering.

 

In the diagnostic connector where you jumped terminals te1 and e1 to check codes, there are two terminals marked fp and B+ if you jump these it will apply battery voltage to the fuel pump. See if it runs then.

 

When you say "no response", you mean you had steady flashing of the CEL?

 

The terminals are marked "T" and "E1" does this make a difference? I made multiple attempts with a jumper wire and the CEL would stay lit (no flashing)

 

Ok I wasn't paying attention and used the wrong terminals. Got it figured out and show no trouble codes. (Continuous flashing) and fuel pump checks out.

 

This should be the last update. Got everything up and running again and I feel like a fool. When the head gasket went and I decided to do an eng swap the fuel tank was getting low. Apparently too low. My GF suggested I try adding a gal or two of gas I told her that couldn't be the problem. (The fuel light wasn't even showing). Just to shut her up I opened the fuel drain plug and got a few drops of gas and a bunch of air pushing out. Oops. I guess she was dry.
In a way it was a fuel file very problem as there wasn't any fuel to deliver.
Thanks to everyone who made suggestions, I learned a couple of new tricks and I think I owe my girlfriend a candlelit dinner and a huge apology.