I was wondering about those timing marks not being at the same angle. Crap. Up until it died it ran OK. Not great, but OK.

Cam timing is pretty critical. I had the cam in my bike off one tooth when I re-assembled the engine, and it ran, but not well. Looking at the timing marks in the photos looks like more than one tooth off. Looks like it's time to start tearing this thing down. Wasn't ready for another project yet, and I've never had the head off an engine before. Time to start reading through the FSM I suppose. Looks like Utah is out this year. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

best thing to do would be to get the crank in TDC see which cams are off if they are indeed off at all I really hope not from what toasty told me over the phone it reads all the sighs of slipped timing.

1. check timing marks make sure they all line up

if 1 is ok then

2. check fuel pump pull rear carpet there is a access panel on the floor if you need to change it

3. pull Ecu open it up and look for blow out caps or melted anything.

Might not be a bad idea to check the fuel filter, could be restricted. It might be impacting the fuel flow + over loading the pump. A fairly common cause of pump failure.

Got to remember that the timing marks will only line up on #1 TDC other wise they will be off, I imagine the engine is rotated at wherever it quit at and it just so happened to have timing marks in the picture. Unless you set it at #1 TDC for the picture don't jump to any conclusions yet.

I also wouldn't be pulling any heads off, not yet.
Toasty mentioned lining up the timing marks, FIRST
Then, if they are off, obviously correct them.
Try to diagnose one problem at a time, or you will wear yourself out fixing e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />
Just my 2 cents. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Decided to get started after work tonight. Changed the fuel filter and fuel cap. No change as expected so I tore into the engine after that. Here's the progress so far:









Is this the updated crank bolt?





Pretty happy with the progress so far considering I didn't really want to be doing this. Need to get the crank pulley tool so I can get the rest of the timing cover off and see if all the marks line up, and get a TDC tool so I can check #1 cylinder at TDC to see if I'm off anywhere. I've never done engine work like this so it should be interesting.

Hoping for the best here.

John B.

I don't know what made me think of this now before I tore into the engine, but I just went outside to check the oil out of curiosity. I got the oil changed just before leaving Albuquerque so I didn't think to check it. After only 600 miles or so, the oil is black and is below the second indentation on the dipstick. I see no leaks, no drips in the driveway, and it doesn't smoke. Where the hell could all the oil have gone?? This doesn't look good at all. I started it briefly and moved it from the street to the driveway, and I can hear a grinding noise from under it, but it wouldn't stay running long enough to pin point the sound. I'm getting a really bad feeling I've trashed a bearing in the bottom end somewhere. I really didn't need this right now. Just laid out the cash for a truck, and don't know how much more I can afford to put into this. Lift, tires and other bits are going to be a ways off now. Damn.

Damn, I feel for you man. Buying a vehicle sight unseen is a leap of faith. I've done it twice, first with a truck identical to yours, and the last time w/ the '98. Heck, I even purchased my GTO by meeting the guy halfway, in Holbrook.
Is seems that the issue may be worse than you first thought, but remember, anything can be fixed. I sometimes find myself walking away for a few days, just to clear my head... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />
If I weren't over 100 miles away, I'd give you a hand.
Good luck, you might post the issues you're having over in the tech section to get more exposure.

I know what you mean. I've never bought a vehicle without seeing it first so this is a real kick in the balls. After the initial shock is over now, I still know this is the truck for me, but will take more work than I thought to get it where I want. Other than the engine trouble right now, it's still in great shape and once I get this sorted out, I'll be able to get out with the fellas from the AZ crew and have some fun.

Since a crank pulley tool isn't readily available, the plan tonight is to cut up some metal and make my own so I can at least verify if the timing is correct or not and check integrity of the tensioner and the rest of the assembly. Then go from there.

I did notice last night after taking the alternator out, that there is a lot of drag and noise while spinning the pulley, so I'm going to take it to O'Reilly and have it tested, and compare it to a new one if they have it in stock. Wishful thinking that MAYBE my alternator crapped out and was causing some of this issue (low voltage to fuel pump, ECU etc) and maybe the source of all of that noise. Probably not, but can't hurt to get it checked out as well as change out the battery cables. They were quite loose on the battery, and in pretty bad shape. Also, noticed what looks like the ABS harness was up against the exhaust manifold and has melted a bit. Have some repair to do there as well.

I posted in the main tech section to get some views over here.