Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hey Gents

As the title sugests i need some help urgently, as my mate is having his buck show on the weekend and i need my 4x4 goin. Anyway I have an 89 4runner with a 22r in it and have just replaced the head gasket. the problem is it wont start. \
Here is a list of what is happening when i turn the key.
-engine turns over freely
-i can see the bulb in the carby fill up
-there is spark at the distributor and lead one(only had time to check the first lead this morning but the spark plugs and leads are only 2 months old)
- every so often will trying to start there is a little back fire out of the carby
so any ideas on what could be causing this or what i may have missed would be a great help thanks heaps.

ignition timing, or the leads are hooked up the wrong way.

mmm timing maybe but i didnt think that would stop it from starting completly.
I am fairly sure the leads are in the right order as the dizzy cap is numbered

RunnerMitch wrote:mmm timing maybe but i didnt think that would stop it from starting completly.

it will if out by 180 degrees

forgive my ignorance but how can the timing be out 180 degrees and how can i check

Easiest way would to be to wind the motor over to TDC and check which plug the dizzy is going to fire next....

Next easiest way would be to simply swap the leads between 1 and 4, and 2 and 3, which will put your timing out by 180 degrees (At the camshaft - 360 degrees at the crank...), and subsequently correct your timing if its out by 180 degrees

EDIT: Actually, the most easiest way would be the swapping of the plugs - and would tell you in an instant if thats your problem. Also wiggle the dizzy back and fourth between its timing point while your cranking to see if you find a sweet spot...

Back to basics, if its getting fuel, its obviously getting air (The medium which the fuel is carried)
If its getting spark, then its obviously not 'right on time....'

Valve clearances been done since the new head went on ?????
90% sure thats your problem.

why do you need to do valve clearances if changin a head gasket?
90% sure you dont