mortimc Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 I picked up an engine for my 88 wagon D/R threw it in and I can't get it to start. Ive checked the cam and distributor timing several times and everything appers to be correct, but im going to triple check it tomorow. Ive got good spark and I installed the distributer and checked the cam timing according to the Factory Service Manual (which is the best reading material I know of). There is definatly fuel pressure and intake manifold is gassy. I would assume that if cam timing is right and spark is timed that I should be getting some combustion. I did a leak down test and it was a bit under par on a couple cylinders. leaked out of intake valves only. I'm pretty lost if anyone can think of something that I may have overlooked, or can think of anything to check I'd appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Did you do any work on the engine, like change the timing belts or change the disty? If so, then I would suspect a problem may be in that area. Not to say that you messed up mind you. It's just that many others have channged belts and found out that the proceedure they used to install the new belts was incorrect. If those things are ok then you might try marking the disty position and then try moving it as someone cranks the engine to see if that will help get it started. Also check the firing order. I think the rotor moves counterclockwise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
85Sub4WD Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Did you check the ECU for error codes?? I'm not trying to be smart, but generally you see some error if it won't start. Also check the coolant sensor and the MAF sensor - as you seem to have a FSM, follow the troubleshooting tables and you should get results!! Good Luck!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meeky Moose Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 i had this problem with my 88 dl when i got it.. it was gettin spark and fuel but not starting.. i finally moved all the plug wires 1 place to the left on the cap and she runs perfect.. give that a shot if you had them all off and are now back on acording to the book.. now i don't know why i had to move mine around like that since the cap is numbered for where the #1 wire goes, but i know the car gets 34mpg and the timing is set dead on with a light.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mortimc Posted January 10, 2006 Author Share Posted January 10, 2006 I havnt done any work on the engine besides installing the disty, so ill take a look at that when it stops raining. Do you mean switch the wires one place counter clockwise on the disty? And I also dont know where to look for these error codes. Thanks all, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cougar Posted January 11, 2006 Share Posted January 11, 2006 Error codes are checked by viewing the LED in the end of the ECU. The codes are pulsed out by the flashing LED. Long pluses are tens digits and short pulses are single digits. The ECU is a box located under the dash near the steering column. If I remember correctly you don't have to remove the ECU to view the codes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
85Sub4WD Posted January 11, 2006 Share Posted January 11, 2006 randomly switching wires on the disty is not a particularly good idea, if nothing else because it is likely you will get them off and cause a major backfire, or other loud noise - the best way to install the disty is to first make sure the spark plug wires going to it are the correct ones in the first place the wires should be in the same order rotating clockwise (I think that's the direction of rotation - but don't quote me) as the firing order second is to remove the # 1 spark plug, and the timing cover while holding your thumb over the spark plug hole, rotate the engine by hand, you should feel a surge of air outwards on one rotation when the timing mark gets close to 0-degrees - there are two points where you will see 0 degrees in the full combustion cycle, but you will only feel the rush at one point, and that is the point where #1 is supposed to fire - if you do not do this step you will be 180-degrees off in the timing cycle, and the engine will not run or it will backfire when you try to start it look where the distributor rotor is pointing - it should be pointing to the spark plug wire that goes to the #1 piston. If not, correct it - be careful, because if you are off one gear, you won't be able to tune the engine properly button everything back up, and start the engine, it should now run *roughly* you will need to fine tune it with a timing light for it to run properly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
85Sub4WD Posted January 11, 2006 Share Posted January 11, 2006 I just looked it up, and the direction of the distributor rotation is COUNTERCLOCKWISE the firing order is 1342 the pistons are numbered as such back 3 4 1 2 front Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now