88 Pathfinder starting issue

[dshepard]

Hi all, I own a 1988 Pathfinder VG30i V6. My timing belt shredded while driving and I replaced it, but I cannot get the engine to to start. I did not mess with the distributor, except for a new cap and rotor, new plugs and wires. The ECM OBD shows 55, no malfunctions, it has fuel and I will occasionally get a backfire or sometimes an actual exhaust stroke. I have tried many different tooth settings on the cams, but nothing. Any ideas? Thanks.

[Towncivilian]

Perhaps you bent some valves when the timing belt failed? Without a teardown and inspection I don't think it's possible to determine. I know very little about your engine though, so you may wish to post on NPORA which has more knowledgeable WD21 owners than here.

Welcome to NICO!

[dshepard]

I was told by the dealer that the 88 Pathfinder was a non-interference motor, and I did a cylinder leak-down compression test to be sure,, all cylinders held.

[Slumpert]

I am not sure what you mean by you have tried many differn tooth settings...

Are you sure your getting Piston #1 to TDC by the alignment mark on the oil pump then make sure the distributor is rotated to be on #1 and then set the cams to the marking points and then install the belt?

There really is no other "tooth" settings that will work but I certainy could see if your 180 out of phase due to the distributor and the "backfireing" in the gas being ignited on the wrong side of the stroke