97 HB 4X4, help needed

[GCON7]

I recently purchased a 1997 HB 4X4 KING CAB, 2.4L, 5-spd, w/appx. 135K. The engine was removed, and I was told it was shot (BAD). I got a 2.4L w/appx.130K. The new engine needed guide repair. I swapped the oil pan, intake, and completed the guide repair. I got it all back together, and it would barely run. I would have to pat the gas to keep it running. After hours and hours of investigating, I realize the oil pump is off 1 notch. With the pump finally installed correctly... same result.

Here is a list of symptoms:

HARD TO CRANK
WILL NOT IDLE
SLIGHT GAS SMELL WHILE RUNNING
PLUGS SLIGHTLY WET AND SMELL LIKE GAS AFTER RUNNING
LOUDER THAN NORMAL LIFTER NOISE

Here is a list of things I've done or checked ( I DON'T HAVE A MULTIMETER OR SCAN TOOL ):

COMPRESSION CHECK ( ALL CYL. ARE BETEEN 142-152 )
CHECKED TIMING MARKS
CHECKED FOR SPARK
CHECKED INJECTORS
SWAPPED MAF SENSOR (NO CHANGE)
TRIED DISTRIBUTOR OUT OF MY 96, THAT I KNOW RUNS GOOD (NO CHANGE)
REMOVED AND CLEANED ROCKER ARMS

If I am forgetting anything I will update.
If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. THANKS IN ADVANCE!

[GCON7]

****NOTE**** Exhaust manifold (from motor that had been removed) had a softball size hole in it. I'm not sure why or how it got there. Needless to say, I swapped it out. MAY BE IMPORTANT INFO.?

[deerhurst]

All caps makes it seem like you are yelling the entire time and is harder to read. Street signs are a combo of upper and lowercase because its easy to read.

If I remember right, in 96 they got OBD2. Have you tried running a scan to see what the computer says? Could point you to something you never thought of.

[GCON7]

All caps makes it seem like you are yelling the entire time and is harder to read. Street signs are a combo of upper and lowercase because its easy to read.

If I remember right, in 96 they got OBD2. Have you tried running a scan to see what the computer says? Could point you to something you never thought of.

"Sorry", about the caps! I don't have a scan tool, but I am trying to get access to one. If and when I get to use one; I will post codes. Thanks for your input, I do appreciate it.

[deerhurst]

No prob.

Here is how to check for the codes on it. http://www.troublecodes.net/Nissan/

Often places like Napa will run your codes for free.

For the gas smell, how are your injector o-rings? The older trucks like my TBI VG30i have o-rings that are allergic to ethanol.

Im not much of a mechanic as Im still learning most of this stuff.

If you run over to infamousnissan.com they will be able to help.

[GCON7]

Thanks again deerhurst. I had a mechanic come by the garage today. He is kind of a local legend around here. I filled him in on the details, and he looked the truck over for me. He told me injector on #4 cyl. is bad, and I have a miss fire on #4 cyl.. I'm just glad to have something to go on. A little hope will go a long way in a situation like this! I will give an update after I test his diagnosis.

*** I showed the mechanic the exploded exhaust manifold, and his jaw just dropped. I might try to get a pic of it on here. ***

[GCON7]

I checked the valves, they are all closing and opening properly. I've replaced the injector on #4 cyl.. When I pulled the old injector, there was gas puddled up in the housing. I'm not a 100% positive if that is normal or not. There is still no change. My next steps are; fresh plugs, and a new o2 sensor. I will post results.

[GCON7]

Today I put in new plugs & new 02 sensor ... slight, very slight improvement. After that, it was still misfiring on #4 cyl.. I swapped the #4 plug wire, very slight improvement. I then ran a smoke test for leaks and cracks in the vacuum lines. I found no leaks.

I'm sitting here now having an ice cold adult beverage, wishing I owned a bulldozer so I could just bury this truck.

My next step is ... I think I will take a little break, get some other stuff done. Maybe I will get some more suggestions to try, when I come back to it.