Hello,

I am hping someone can help me diagnose this issue with my 1988 3VZE truck. I have repplaced the head gaskets, crank set a TDC, both pullys set at 12 o'clock. I rotated the engine several times (720 degrees) and it all lines up perfect. With this all set at TDC I finsihed puttin her back together. Installed the dizzy to fire at #1 piston. Double checked all the ignition wires, spark at all 6 plugs, grounds, connections.... and when i go to start all she does is sputter, coughs and only when I do full throttle does it start. Now when i say start it runs horrible, shakes, low RPM's and then dies. With SOHC there is no way to mess up the compression stroke so doubt my dizzy is off 180 degrees, maybe a tooth but even then i would think it would start....abiet run like sh*!

I replaced the TPS but did this on the bench and was able to set as per the FSM. But i doubt the TPS would cause this but could be wrong.

Could this be a fuel related issue? Cold start injector not firing?

I am now at a loss as o what is happenig. Maybe i am overlooking something and someone out there can give me some diection.

Thanks

 

Begin with a compression test, comeback with the result.

 

Sounds a lot like what the VAFM does where it kills ignition after a couple seconds if it’s not plugged in. Definitely start by testing that guy.

I agree with other reply though, compression test would be a smart move before ripping your timing job apart again.

Also easier than tearing it all apart is flipping distributor 180 just for the fun of it. At least I know I’ve done it before.