Truck starts, runs for about a second then dies and smells like fuel. For a few days prior it was running but having trouble starting and while it was running it would have power loss and surges with an occasional stutter and backfire. I was told that it was the map sensor but I can't seem to even find a map sensor on the engine

 

Maybe they meant the MAF sensor which is that box sitting on top the air filter box. I'm pretty sure 84-88 22re didn't have a MAP sensor.

 

not an MAF. the box is an AFM/VAFM. it does not measure the mass of the air passing the sensor (an MAF) but rather the volume of the air moving (VAFM).

 

"runs for a second then dies" is the classic sign of a problem in the COR-VAF circuit. https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...-quits-312747/ Usually doesn't leave a fuel smell, but trivial to diagnose (and get out of the way).

Surges, stutter and backfire are unlikely to be due to a VAF problem. I'd check ignition timing. Then use the inductive pickup on each plug wire to check for a plug not firing.

 

Thanks for the correction. Got my acronym messed up for that box on the air filter box.