'85 Toyota just won't start

Its a 22r engine 4WD carb Xtracab

Explain "won't start". Starter cranks over or not? Engine cranks and cranks but won't fire? You need fuel, air and spark to run, have you verified you are getting those?

The distributor may be 180° off. For the 22R, the distributor should be installed with the crank pulley mark at 0° TDC. The distributor is then installed with the rotor pointing at 12 o'clock and then will rotate to about 325° (-45°) as it engages with the camshaft.

When setting the crank to 0°, the rocker arms on No. 1 cylinder should be loose. If they are not, the crankshaft needs to be turned one full turn in order for the distributor to be placed correctly as described above. Otherwise, it will be one-half turn off.

You probably know all of this, but it's a guess. Besides, I knew it as well and still managed to get it wrong when I replaced my head gaskets ('88 v6).

Luther

everythings turns over i know im gettin air spark and fuel. confirmed that. i just keeps turning over never seeming to catch.

i ve done all but i hadnt tested to see if the rocker arms were loose.

Just a thought: Does it turn over normal speed/sounding or does it REALLY crank over fast?

Cheers, - JG

If you know the engine is mechanically sound, it's getting gas and you're getting spark then.....

I would check the engine timing and timing chain first. If the timing is too far off or the distributor set incorrectly it will not start. Is the distributor rotor pointed near TDC? Dist cap on correctly? Coil wire going to center of cap? Firing order correct?

Is the timing chain properly aligned? Do a compression check, even if the engine is new.

hard to help from here, JK

I've done all that made sure the distributors is set TDC Firing order is Correct and I have Compression and the TIming chaain is properly aligned

seems to be normal speed

seems to be normal speed

Not sure how you know it is firing on the compression stroke otherwise.

To test this, others I know will pull the distributor cap off so that they can see the rotor and stick their finger in the no. 1 spark plug hole while a buddy cranks the engine. Obviously, one should feel a big puff of air just prior to the rotor pointing at number one plug wire.

Or, simply remove the distrubitor; rotate it 180°; and reinstall and see if that makes it start. It won't hurt anything to try this if you have not already and/or if you have any doubt that the distrib is on proper timing with the cam.

Luther