96 4.3 starts up the first time then shut it off and try to restart and it seems to lock up like the timing is way off . No codes and it has a stumble off idle and runs a bit rough . Has new plugs and wires , mass air flow sensor , crank sensor , ign. module , fuel press. stays at 55 even after shutting off , just replaced the starter and flywheel also. This all came on at once and don't know witch way to go next . Any ideas ??????

 

If you assume the timing is off, have you checked the timing belt?

 

Put on tdc and the rotor was pointing to #1 on the dist. The chain is a little loose but doesn't seem to have jumped.

 

Was there a reason for replacing the starter and flywheel?

 

Time the engine per the EDI Engine timing thread in the Tech Article (DIY) section (see the index in my signature below). You cannot put the piston at TDC #1 and then install the distributor such that the rotor points to the #1 post.

 

the engine kicked back hard enough to crack the hsg. and the flywheel was showing wear so i replaced it. The dist. has not been removed I just turned it over and tried to reference the marks to the dist.

 

But did you line up the proper marks as stated in the EDI engine timing thread? If not, then you really didn't do what is necessary to verify that the distributor is timed properly. If you have access to a scan tool capable of displaying CMP Retard, you could look at that. Ideally, it should be zero. If you it is showing +/- 20 degrees, then your distributor is off a tooth or the timing chain has jumped. A compression check should also tell you if you have jumped time as the cam will not be in time with the crank resulting in valves not opening/closing at the right times to build compression.

 

No I just did a rough check. I'll check with the scanner tonight. Thanks , hope I have good news to report later.

 

Replaced the chain and frount cover , it was leaking and chain was loose enough it was rubbing on the side. Started and ran better but still had a stumble and smelt like bad eggs. Replaced injector assy. with new style. Smell gone , stumble still there , runs down the road good for a bit then ses light flashes then on. Has a code p0300 and most miss fires on #1 and #2 cyl. mis counts at idle bring rpms up and all go to zero. Any ideas ?

 

The dist. has not been removed before or after the problems started. The knock retard stays at 0 , cam timing is -11 or -12 , the advance ranges from roughly 20 to 40 . It still starts well the first time then it will turn over and act like it wants to lock up even if you start it and shut it rite off .