4g64/Van Cam Timing/Troubleshoot
 

Hello,

Had imported 4g64 replacement engine put in 1989 van. Installed by a mechanic. I am not a pro, but can do things. Lots of new parts replaced with engine swap along the way: distributor, wires, plugs, filters, timing belts, water pump, mounts, ECM; you name it.

But it never ran well. Disgusted, I let it sit a few years, then revived to keep wife from leaving. Serious. Rebuilt alternator, new battery and fuel pump. Van revived, but to same old running condition....which is to say, "not well."

Low power, rough idle, slow/sluggish to rev, has spit/sputtered/backfired on a two occaisons - (like the backfire you hear from a carburetor and in the same area)

I can drive it, but not father than walking distance or without wingman in chase vehicle.

Question: Mechanic told me that he had a LOT of trouble lining up the camshaft timing marks with block. Apparently new block was not well marked. His biggest fear is that he was "one or two teeth off."

In the grand scheme of priorities troubleshooting this problem, should this be the FIRST issue addresd? Would a cam gear "one or two teeth off" give this kind of terrible performance?


Thank you.

one or two teeth off is about 30 degrees of cam timing -engine grenade territory.

Check spark timing. On an 89, thats distributor, valve cover off and make sure tdc marks line up on dizzy drive pinion, then set advance while running.

could be a worn out crank gear

Akzle: Do you no where I can find those timing procedures specifically? Not a pro here, but can follow directions. My service manual has nothing.

MXMikie: No reports of worn timing gear at assembly. I assume belt would slip in that scenario and all would go to Hell.

Thanks guys.

a haynes will, a chilton should. If youre not worried about piracy, i believe you can download them as torrents.