Topic: 86 4Runner won`t start

[myyota]

My cousin has an 86 4Runner EFI automatic, it will turn over but won`t start, its getting good spark and fuel (plugs are wet with fuel), it just won`t run. can you tell me what he should check ?, i was thinking the computer is bad but i know there are other thing that can cause this problem, i just don`t know alot about toyota EFI. we have a computer from an 85 4Runner EFI automatic, is it ok to try it in the 86 with out causing any problems ?.

[Tallchevy]

The 85 & 86/87 computers are different but it will run. The diffence will be if you try to time the engine.

[Oddmar]

I work on '79-'95 Toyota's as a business, and as long as the trucks both have a 22RE motor and auto trans, won't the computers be identical? I was going to phrase this as a contradictory statement, but maybe there's something i don't know.

Fuel, Spark, Air. Those are the three things you need to make a vehicle run. You've got fuel and spark, check air.

Did this 'not starting' event just happen, or did you guys work on the motor and maybe have the distributor 180 degrees out of time? It's supposed to be "top dead center cylinder # 1", on the compression stroke...i've gone to help friends and they had it TDC cyl #1, but on the exhaust stroke, 180 outta time. You check by setting it TDC with the distributor rotor pointing at # 1 firing position, then make sure the correct rockers are loose. If the motor hasn't been worked on just ignore this timing info.

[Tallchevy]

I just went through this with my 4 Runner. I bought an 87 4Runner that need an engine. I had an engine from an 85 4Runner with the harness & computer. I used the 85 computer with the 87 harness & the 85 engine. I couldn't get the timing right. It was 30 degrees btdc. I did alot of reseach to find out that the 85 EFI computer is different than the 86/87. The 88 is different than then years berfore. I stopped there so I don't know if they are different after that. The difference between the 85 to the 86 is the engine harness. The diagnostic plug is on the driver side on the 85. Toyota changed it in 86 to the right fender. After I got an 86 Computer I was able to prpoerly time the engine. Before that I had tried everything. The 85 will work as a test but if you live in an area that you have to smog the engine, you will have to get the right one from an 86/87. I know Napa Auto parts can get them for about $300.

[Marlin]

Begin with the basics.

If you have spark at the plugs, hook up the timing light on #1 cylinder.
Does it flash on the advance side of the the timing mark when cranking?

You stated that the plugs were wet with fuel. Are you sure? It could be oil residue.
Put in a fresh set of good plugs and try again.
Try spraying starting fluid into the intake mainafold.

Useing a long screw driver, put it against an injector and rest your ear against the handle and then crank the engine. You will hear the injector clicking as it works.

Next, check for any vacume leaks between the throttle body and air box.

Also check for blown fuses and the contacts under the cover on the air box.....

[myyota [OP]]

We figured out the problem today, the guy my cousin got the 4Runner from put what he thought was 4 gallons of gas into the tank, it turned out to be 4 gallons of kerosene. after draining the tank and flushing the fuel lines out it started up and runs good. thanks for all the help.