Alright folks, here it is

 

I just picked up a 1988 xt awd auto from my friend mike. I think he was posting on here as subiext or something. Here's a pic.

 

 

Anyway, here's the story.

 

Mike ran the hell out of this car, mostly on dirt roads and two-tracks. He hit a big puddle, and it started running rough (sounds like a wet disty to me). then the car clears up and runs fine until he gets home. It starts running like crap again. He does a complete tune up on it; plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and even swapped the fuel pump just in case. He couldn't come up with anything and got sick of it. :-\

 

I picked it up and put a battery back in it. It won't start. It pops a little bit and almost wants to start, but not quite. I'm planing on spending all of tomorrow on it. I'm going to start by adding some gas (worth a shot, the gauge says empty, but no orange rectangle yet). Then I'm going to start checking vacuum lines.

 

I'd like some more input for tomorrow, so if i verify that these aren't the problem, I'll have more things to try.

 

edit, i have checked timing belts, and they are intact. I guess it's possible they may have slipped? But I'm not sure how likely it is.

Edited December 9, 200817 yr by Mechanical_misfit

3 things I can think of from the start are:

 

1. Check the rotor, the screw may have fallen out.

2. If the rotor checks out fine, check the timing belts.

3. Undoubtedly, the MAF needs cleaning.

MAF for the win... I'll make sure to take a spare one with me. Just so I won't have to clean the other one.

Also pull and check ALL electric connectors under the hood for water.

problem solved! It did jump time, so i guess I'll have to do timing belts.

I think there is a connection you have to make before you can check the timing. You may be aware of that possibly.

i wanted to be the hero dangit. i was jumpin my wagon on the back roads n jumped right into a deep puddle. charcholed the disty and slipped the t-belt i did the same new everything wouldnt start i felt like a failure... waited a week i was having withdraws and decided to mess with the t-belts.. and it came to life:rolleyes:

 

now when i jump the rig we roll in we break the u-joints to the t-case (ASV armored security vehicle tank on tires)

 

lol cool u got it tho