Sounds like you have a few things to check before you go too much further:
> inlet manifold bolts are all tight - make sure you dont have a vacuum leak. Did you use a new manifold gasket? If you can't find anything obvious, but you can get the engine to idle (even if only roughly) you might be able to find the leak by using the following dubious but effective method - I take no responsibility if something bad happens!!! - basically, while its running spray something like WD40 heavily onto potential leak points (like the throttle body assembly, vacuum lines or where the manifold joins the head). If there is a vacuum leak, the wd40 will be sucked in and for a second while the area is 'wet' the engine will probably pick up. There are all sorts of potential dangers ofcourse but its an old mechanics trick and it works well....
> exhaust manifold/headers bolts all tight?
> get a timing light and time the engine with the vacuum unplugged but blocked to 8 deg BTDC. Thats roughly correct and will get you in the ball park. There should be a mark on the flywheel... if you can find the TDC mark, just look anticlockwise around the flywheel about 8 degrees and you'll find the timing mark
If you have any vacuum leaks at all (even at the throttle body bushings) you wont be able to time the engine properly.
> inlet manifold bolts are all tight - make sure you dont have a vacuum leak. Did you use a new manifold gasket? If you can't find anything obvious, but you can get the engine to idle (even if only roughly) you might be able to find the leak by using the following dubious but effective method - I take no responsibility if something bad happens!!! - basically, while its running spray something like WD40 heavily onto potential leak points (like the throttle body assembly, vacuum lines or where the manifold joins the head). If there is a vacuum leak, the wd40 will be sucked in and for a second while the area is 'wet' the engine will probably pick up. There are all sorts of potential dangers ofcourse but its an old mechanics trick and it works well....
> exhaust manifold/headers bolts all tight?
> get a timing light and time the engine with the vacuum unplugged but blocked to 8 deg BTDC. Thats roughly correct and will get you in the ball park. There should be a mark on the flywheel... if you can find the TDC mark, just look anticlockwise around the flywheel about 8 degrees and you'll find the timing mark

If you have any vacuum leaks at all (even at the throttle body bushings) you wont be able to time the engine properly.
Comment