Stupid Mistake - Now won't start

gamefreakgc

gamefreakgc

Elite Member
So... just did a bunch of work including new plugs, spark plug wires, valve cover, various seals, hoses, and rebuilt the supercharger.

Went to start it up and it shook violently then shut off. Looked around and noticed I routed my spark plug wires wrong (DENSO wires weren't numbered like the old ones) Took them all out and switched them to how they should be, 1 to 4, 3 to 6, and 5 to 2. However, now the truck won't start. Tried pulling the EFI fuse to reset things but to no avail.

Any idea on what might be wrong? Did I just ruin my engine?
 
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4Running Daily said:
Try pulling off a battery terminal for a couple minutes. What noise does it make when you turn the key?
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Nothing but cranks. I've got a slight fuel smell too. Maybe I just flooded the engine or something? I hope that's all it is...

I'm gonna pull the battery terminal now.

EDIT: No good. I pulled a spark plug and it's doused in fuel. I think I've flooded the engine now...
 
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It ran rough, you put the wires back to where they need to be, now it won't run at all...hmmm. Sounds like something is still wrong with the timing or spark plug wiring/firing order. I'm sure your engine isn't ruined, just retrace your steps and verify you have spark. Of course, check all the fuses and check for codes.
 
Now my battery is going dead :(

I pressed the gas pedal down after waiting 30 min or so and gave it a couple more tries to no avail. Still smells like fuel.

The sequence was this:

1. Cranked engine a few times and started then idled very poorly then it died.
2. Cranked it some more, no ignition whatsoever.
3. Realized my error with the wires, fixed them to what they should be.
4. Tried cranking it again, did not start.
5. Tried 30 min later while flooring the pedal, did not start. Battery low.

I've got a spark wire light/pen/thing that tells me if I'm getting spark, that's gonna be next. However, it's gonna wait until tomorrow morning when I have more time and can jump the battery with my Pickup.
 
Is this your only means of transportation? I'd just let it sit overnight and try again in the morning (while you charge your battery, assuming you have a charger)... and if it doesn't start on first attempt tomorrow then seriously retrace your steps.
 
Yeah, I think you both are right. I have one of those spark plug wire lights that show you if you've got spark (instead of trying to zap a screwdriver or a ground) and it's firing like it should be. I've got fuel, evidenced by the wet plugs. Tried it again this morning with no fuel (holding down the gas pedal) and with fuel, with a full battery.

So are my $6 iridium plugs a complete loss :(
 
pull the plugs, spray them with break clean, let them dry for about 5 min then put them back in and start it up. you will be fine
 
Well, there's something more going on. Cleaned the plugs, wouldn't fire. Let the engine dry out overnight, still wouldn't fire. Bought new plugs, studdered a bit and quit again. Now I'm back to where I started.

I'm starting the FSM diagnostic for a non-start. Any other tips or things I should be looking at? So far I've got a good battery (12.23 volts) and power to the MAF (11.97 volts).

Update: Pulled out a spark plug and fired it on a ground, spark is good. I have fuel as evidenced by the new plugs being wet. What am I missing?
 
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Have you checked over the engine everywhere for any missed connections? Can you pull any codes?
 
Unner said:
Have you checked over the engine everywhere for any missed connections? Can you pull any codes?
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I've checked, and re-checked it all... everything is plugged in and connected. The only possibility is that the cam sensor position plug was broken. It's snug, but doesn't snap tight. I kept track of everything I disconnected so that I'd know what to reconnect.

I don't have a code reader.
 
Sure the wires are in the right order? What hoses did you replace? Do you have a vacuum leak somewhere?
 
mxer said:
Sure the wires are in the right order? What hoses did you replace? Do you have a vacuum leak somewhere?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm sure, 1-4, 3-6, 5-2. I did that wrong in the first place, but it started up initially for a couple of seconds anyway, even with it wrong. After resetting the ECU with the new plugs it did the same thing, just ran a little more smooth.

I don't have any vacuum leaks, unless they were pre-existing. I put new gaskets on every part I replaced. I was going to replace the PCV hose, but I don't have the right size so just put the old one back on. So ended up not changing any vacuum hoses. I'm really stumped on this one.

What would I be looking for on the MAF? I only saw the voltage check, it's not like the 2 gen/3rd gen Pickups where the FSM shows the correct readings for every wiring connection.
 
YIKES I found the problem. My photos I took were at a bad angle and I mixed up my fuel line and my S/C wastegate!!! I'm lucky I didn't blow up my engine...

I'm removing the air cleaner hose and letting it air out for a looooong time. That explains why the plugs weren't just wet with fuel, but completely soaked. Fuel was just flowing down into the combustion chamber.

Thanks for all the help... I guess I still have a lot to learn on the 5VZ-FE's. I know my 3VZ-E like the back of my hand.
 
gamefreakgc said:
YIKES I found the problem. My photos I took were at a bad angle and I mixed up my fuel line and my S/C wastegate!!! I'm lucky I didn't blow up my engine...

I'm removing the air cleaner hose and letting it air out for a looooong time. That explains why the plugs weren't just wet with fuel, but completely soaked. Fuel was just flowing down into the combustion chamber.

Thanks for all the help... I guess I still have a lot to learn on the 5VZ-FE's. I know my 3VZ-E like the back of my hand.
Click to expand...

Wow, It's good that you caught the mistake and it was a simple fix.

AudiTech said:
Make sure you change your oil as soon as you have it running normally
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I second this, but I may even change it now before starting with a cheaper oil, and then change it again after running it for a minute with whatever you normally use. Just to be safe.
 
Yeah, I was planning on getting an oil change immediately anyway. The PO didn't change the oil much, sludge isn't bad though just a little dark.

And it was the fuel return line I mixed up, not the main fuel line. So not completely catastrophic, but still not good!
 
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