22re wont start after repairs

[94yo4X4]

ive just finished rebuilding some of my 22re motor in my 1994 pickup 4x4. The cylinder head was sent out to a machine shop where i had a valve job and a compression test done, it passed. i replaced the timing chain/guides/tensioner, thermostat, spark plug wires, plugs, water pump, and all gaskets. from what ive seen its hard to screw up the valve timing considering there are very obvious mark on the cam and crank gear pluss the bright links on the chain and the cam gear only goes on one way. I followed the procedure for setting the timing (tdc then distrubtor at #1)
but the engine wont start ive got one cylinder to fire but it also backfires while trying to start every 4-5 sec that the starter is spinning. ive tried the jumper thing in the diagnostic box too. i cant figure out what it would be now my only guess is that the wiring may be messed up. i do have to wires that are hanging down that arent plugs they just have normal ends like you would see on a car sterio speaker cable. i do not have the mass air flow sensor on or the air box yet i was gonna wait till i got it started. i also what looks like two sensor outlets on the right side (intake manifold side) of the block that i cant find any thing to plug into them. i cant afford to take it to a mechanic so i would really apprecaite the help......thanks

[azdave35]

sounds like you have the dist 180 degrees out...it has to line up on #1 on the compression stroke...take #1 plug out and stick your finger in the hole...have someone tap the starter over....when the piston comes up on the compression stroke it will try to push your finger out of the spark plug hole...then start watching your pulley and keep tapping the starter.. when it lines up on tdc then put the dist in and line up on #1

[steve4toy]

you need to have the maf hook up also your air box ,before the engine will start, i had the same problem last year. good luck steve4toy

[94yo4X4]

thanks for the help....it still wont start ...but i get some light combustion every few strokes still no start though...if anyone has any other tips or thinks i might have missed something or done something wrong please let me know

[HighRaven]

check the distributer when i fix my truck i had the distributer one tooth off and it would not start. it dont take much

[94yo4X4]

the distributor turns when inserted most manuals say line it up with cyl #1 and insert because the gear has the teeth on it that are curved so it turns a little bit when installed should it be lined up with #1 cylinder after installation or before i put in in? and if im one tooth or so off cant i just compensate by timing it more advanced or retarted

[burger]

it should be lined up after it is inserted,TDC,compression stroke.That should get you running ,youll just have to advance or retard the distributor to fine tune.

[94yo4X4]

thanks ill try that

[subliminaltrips]

Originally Posted by 94yo4X4

thanks ill try that

had the same problem after replacing my engine in my 94 pu i had a buddy turn the engine over as i spun the distributor id almost bet you are 180 out meaning your firing on the compresion stroke and not the power stroke. try moving the teeth one at a time untill you get it after each try make sure you are at tdc i belive one turn of the crankshaft is 2 turns on the camshaft but i might be mistaken.

[Tercel GTS]

Put the engine at TDC then look at dist shaft. It has a< and a . that line up. Turn the dist si that these marks line up, and as you insert it will go to #1.

[Flash319]

You need to have the MAF sensor connected or it won't run. I have found that out the hard way to. The airbox with the MAF sensor must be complete or the computer does not sense any intake vacuum.

[94yo4X4]

thanks i got it started the adjustable valves had been played with when i sent the head out to get planned and the valve job done.....no the only problem i have is trying to get it to run smooth