Need some advice re: timing & head replacement

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KellyC

KellyC

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
May 7, 2007
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25
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185
Location
Minneapolis MN
Hey guys - I have a 1986 4Runner (22RE) that I overheated a while back. I have replaced the head with a rebuilt unit, buttoned up everything, and am having trouble getting it going again.

When I start it, I can get it to fire and run only if I modulate the accelerator with my foot. The instant I quit pumping the gas, the truck dies. I've tried adjusting the timing, but can't seem to get it to any position that will keep the truck running.

My neighbor (car guy) has a theory that I accidentally put the timing gear back on slightly wrong - like one notch on the chain to the left or right from where it should be. I tried not to do that, but it is possible I guess.:doh:

So before I undo all my hard work and dig out the timing gear, I thought I'd see if anyone here has any suggestions of obvious things I might have missed.:bang:

Has anyone else had this problem before?

Thanks!

Kelly
 
It's not a huge deal if it's off, you can fix it without pulling the head... but lets figure out what the problem is first... It only takes 10 minutes to get the valve cover off... Just don't loose either of the half moon rubber plugs. :cheers:
 
OK - So I know I need to get the engine at TDC, then make sure the head (cam) is in the same position. I know how to put the engine at TDC using the marks on the main pulley.

How do you check to see that the head is at TDC? That is - How do I know if I have the timing chain gear in the correct position?
 
KellyC said:
OK - So I know I need to get the engine at TDC, then make sure the head (cam) is in the same position. I know how to put the engine at TDC using the marks on the main pulley.

How do you check to see that the head is at TDC? That is - How do I know if I have the timing chain gear in the correct position?
Click to expand...

The cam gear dot should be just counter clockwise of 12 straight up. Like 11:55 on a clock.
 
So I popped thee valve cover and here is what I see when the engine is at TDC on the compression stroke:

Foto4.jpg


Is that about the right spot?
 
KellyC said:
So I popped thee valve cover and here is what I see when the engine is at TDC on the compression stroke:
Is that about the right spot?
Click to expand...

That looks correct to me......if the cam/crank timing is off too much the valve will contact the piston.

I seem to remember mine running like that when the coolant temp sensor (to the right of the waterpump) wasn't plugged in after completing my timing chain and head gasket job.

Sitting where it is at TBC what is the position of the rotor on the distributor? Pull cap and take a picture.

Is the VAF (airbox connection) hooked up?
Are the grounds on the intake for the fuel injectors clean and tight?

If you need that much RTV to seal the valve cover gasket, it time to get a new one....should only need a light oil film to seal.
 
If it's an RE, and it won't idle, inst that a TPS issue?


Check the timing with a light and see how far off it is...
 
I've been so busy lately, no time to work on the 4runner. Tonight I finally had an opportunity to make sure everything is lined up correctly. It is. And while I had the truck running (very rough!) I noticed a ton of steam coming from the exhaust. I think that pretty much confirms there must be a crack in the block.

So now I get to decide..... Long block, or just give up?

Not sure to be honest.

Thanks anyway for all your help! I wish it would have turned out that I had the timing off or something easier.
 
I installed a new (reman) head, and torqued the bolts to spec in order, using 1/4 turns at a time.

It's possible the reman head has an issue, but how would I ever know?
 
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