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88 4runner no spark

Discussion in '1st Gen 4Runners (1984-1989)' started by Og4200, Nov 7, 2021.

  1. Nov 7, 2021 at 7:43 AM
    #1
    Og4200

    Og4200 [OP] New Member

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    Vehicle:
    88 4runner
    I recently bought a 88 4runner. I currently am getting no spark. It'll crank but no spark. New distributor, coil and plugs. I think it's the ignitor. Unfortunately this part isn't available anywhere!. Did this change? Or can I convert it?
     
  2. Nov 7, 2021 at 8:00 AM
    #2
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
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    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    I found an ignitor for my MR2 in a salvage yard. Maybe try searching copartfinder.com if that's still a thing.

    There was a way to test the ignitor, but it required some jerry rigging on my part.
     
  3. Nov 7, 2021 at 11:39 AM
    #3
    PhantomTweak

    PhantomTweak New Member

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    First Name:
    Patrick
    OREGON
    Vehicle:
    1999 4Runner, bone stock
    None. Bone Stock. EXCEPT: Brushguard, tow hitch, both welded to the frame. It's good to have friends and a fully equipped garage!
    Did you measure the air gap of the sensor in the distributor?
    Check the FSM for details of all checks and tests.
    Did you replace the plug wires? You should replace them when you do the distributor cap and rotor, and the plugs.
    Did you make sure the distributor was stabbed correctly, so the timing is close, at least to begin with? And that the crank was at #1 TDC? Easy to accidentally have it 1 turn out of phase.
    Did you verify the ground to the head is in good shape? The one from the lifting hook to the firewall right behind the engine? Without that ground, no, or very weak spark.
    Did you try a different distributor cap and rotor? I've gotten bad one's from the manufacturer before. They have a hairline crack, that you can't see, which prevents the spark from getting where it's supposed to go.
    Did you verify the gap of the plugs before installation? Manufacturers don't always get it right for your particular vehicle.
    Speaking of, did you use the NGK or similar type plugs? OEM? Always use OEM.
    Did you ohm out the igniter and coil to see if they're actually bad? Might save you some money.
    Did you verify the voltages feeding the coil and ignitor? They're listed in the FSM, as are the correct ohm readings.

    There's an awful lot that goes into making the spark, and making it happen, as well as getting it into the cylinder. It worth a little time and effort to make sure all the steps involved are well within tolerance. Besides, the time you spend might well save you some money, later.

    Good luck to you!
    Pat☺
     
  4. Nov 7, 2021 at 3:35 PM
    #4
    se7enine

    se7enine New Member

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    Vehicle:
    1984 4Runner
    3RZ
    What is the part number? What is the engine?
     
  5. Nov 7, 2021 at 7:36 PM
    #5
    yotagreg8888

    yotagreg8888 New Member

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    Greg
    Vehicle:
    1985 SR5
    OME lift other wise 100 percent stock
    Hello and welcome
    PhantomTweak has many good ideas on how to start but I must ad

    to number one above if you FI - IT's MOST likly no one has ever scewed
     
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