94 Hardbody won't start

[bigslinda]

I have a 94 Nissan d21 pickup 220k miles. Runs like a sewing machine. Or used to. I started it up and drove it lass than a mile and shut it off. Came back 30 mins later and it spins over fast. You can smell raw fuel. I had recently, in the last 5k miles, put in new plugs and wires, cap and button. In the last 20k it's had a timing set. I pulled the valve cover and as it spins over all of the valves move. I can see the Pistons move in the cylinder. The timing chain is tight. I have replaced the coil and ignition control module. It has fire. It spins over like it has no compression. Has anyone else ever seen this happen?

[nalz]

A situation where there is spark(@ the spark plugs), a strong fuel smell out of the tailpipe, AND the engine cranks over fast: sounds like a valve timing issue.I know you mentioned a tight timing chain, but you should really check to see if the camshaft timing marks line up, and do a compression test. If your engine is cranking too fast, it is due to low compression, and it will show up as low and uneven compression between cylinders

[bigslinda]

I think you are right. I just can't get over the fact that it was running fine, shut it off and now won't crank. Can it jump time that easy?

[nalz]

"Can it jump time that easy?" I have seen other make cars jump time, right in front of me, when backing out of a parking space then shifting from reverse to forward. The engine suddenly dies. Go to crank engine, it won't start and you hear that distinct uneven cadence of a starter spinning an engine with a mix of low and high(normal) compression cylinders. The vast majority of the time it's a broken or jumped belt/chain, with or without bent valves. but i have had a couple be weak valve springs, and a few more with valves hanging open because binding valve stems/guides.

[nalz]

"and now won't crank".....really? The starter won't spin the engine any more?

[bigslinda]

@nalz yes the started spins, so technically it is cranking, just not starting.