Topic: 22re will not start

[motoracer]

i was looking at a 4 runner today and it want start the guy put new rotor button new fuel pump new fuel filter new plugs and wires in it. i checked the timing on the cam its good its getting spark and fuel but want start. even sprayed started fluid into the cylinder and would not do anything. and ideas what could be going on. its a 85 model. could the cold start time swich be the problem, or the coil and igniter. the spark from the plugs are orange. im lost when it comes to efi. he did say he would sell it to me for 700 dollers is in real good shape too.  so any ideas what it would be? thanks

[superkaliguy]

Distributer, might not be in the right firing order

[motoracer [OP]]

well from what i understand it ran fine but one day wouldnt start back up.

[GNasty 82]

You say it is getting spark, but where are you checking? the coil?  distributor?  each plug?

 I had a plug wire go out on me all of a sudden once.  I was stopped at a stop sign and when I tried to pull away, the engine just ran like all of a sudden and had ZERO power.  I barely limped the rest of the way across the road to the gas station.  When I cut off the engine, it wouldn't start back up for anything.  When I finally eliminated a few other things and moved on to the plug wires, one of the wires wires measured an astounding 175K ohms, much higher than the typical 10-15K.

Anyway, what exactly does it do when you try to start it?  Is it trying to start and not quite making it (backfiring or otherwise) or is it just spinning smoothly?

[motoracer [OP]]

not doing anything when tou try to start. its turning smoothly just not hitting. but has spark at the coil  at the distriptor and at the plugs

[GNasty 82]

Just noticed, in your original post, you said the spark at the plugs was orange.  The spark should be white with maybe a slightly bluish tint.  You can also check if it's the plug or something further up the line by sticking a screwdriver in the plug socket at the end of the wire and holding it close to a ground.  The arc should be able to jump at least an inch from the screwdriver to the ground.  Careful not to bugger up the socket with the screwdriver though.

Moving on to fuel:  You said a new pump and filter was installed.  Why? Obviously a filter is a normal maintenance issue, but was it clogged?  How long has the truck been sitting?  Is it possible the gas has soured?  If so, the injectors could be clogged?  Can you smell gas coming out of the tail pipe?  Something you can also try to make sure fuel is getting all the way to the cylinders is to pull all the spark plugs and try to start it.  Check and see if you can see/smell puffs of gas coming from the plug holes.

I realize I'm mostly asking you more questions, but this is kind of the way I go about diagnosing such a situation.

[motoracer [OP]]

well for the gas the plugs are wet gas is getting into the cylinders. as far as the gas being bad  i dont know how long it set. the spark is a little weak  i think. even  starting fluid well not turn it over any. i was thinking it was the coil or the igniter, but i know nothing about the igniter .i thought if it was getting spark it was good. and the guy that owned the truck said he replaced those things to see if it was the problem.im on here trying to get some help so see if i can get it going for him

[GNasty 82]

I'm going to have to say that, unless it has bad gas, that the problem is spark related.  That being the case, the orange looking arc says a lot.  The question is, is the arc orange on all plugs, or just one of them?  You can eliminate more components by moving further up the spark trail.  Use the screwdriver technique I mentioned above on the plug wire coming from the coil, just unplug it from the distributor.  If you are getting an orange spark from the end of the coil wire to ground the, at least you know that the cap/button/plugs wires/plugs are probably OK.  Then the remaining suspects are the coil/igniter and the points and condenser.  I'm not actually sure if the '85 modal 22RE even has points and condenser.

Another thought that just popped in my head, since the cap and button were recently replaced, if you haven't already, make sure there is no water or other trash in the cap.

[Royota]

        sounds like a stupid-simple solution, but I had the EXACT same thing when someone tried hotwiring my truck and it blew the 30amp starter relay (or ignition or whatever it is. it's a red 30A one inside your fuse box on the passenger side wheel well inside your engine compartment.)
         I tried EVERYTHING. they syphoned my gas, and left a gas can in my bed. so I said "oh, gas!" poured it in, but saw that it was TWO STROKE! so I dropped and drained my tank, changed my fuel filter and lines, spark plugs and wires, starter, ignition, and nothing worked. was about to junk the truck when I said "it's a shame because these old trucks aren't as electronically controlled as new ones. look how how little fuses there are.... ummm.... ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" hahahaha a $2.89 relay.... learned my lesson.