Changed valve cover, now 88 won't start

[petehoyt]

Like the title says, I changed the valve cover on my 88 with 2.3-liter (plus a few hoses). It was the first time I'd pulled the MAF, which was dirty so I cleaned it with carb cleaner. When it was first put back together it didn't start (?). Turns out I had not set the MAF sensor back to the same position (Lucky I took a photo). Fixed that, but no joy, and I could hear what sounded like backfiring. Then I found I'd stupidly switched the #3 and #4 plug wires at the distributor cap.

Now, with everything back the way it should be... still the engine won't start. Turns over fine, no backfiring, but not firing either.

Any advice what I might have done. or what to check next? I'm not a car newbie, but a little new to this engine. Thanks,

Pete

 

[Mark_88]

Probably just left off a vac hose or the distributor/coil line is loose...

But you've left something off or you may want to recheck the firing order...almost always something simple...

 

[petehoyt]

Checked and rechecked the vacuum lines. and re-plugged the coil line several times.

Can someone describe the positions of the #1-4 plug wires on the distributor for me? Or put up a picture? The 88 year may be different than I am thinking.

The number 1 plug is farthest from the engine if I remember correctly, then it's just 1-2-3-4 going clockwise right?

 

[petehoyt]

No, not right. Firing order is 1-3-4-2. That fixed it.

Something simple alright.

 

[Mark_88]

This is one of the easiest things to mess up...I know...I did it myself a few times...

Glad you got it working...