83 sundowner wont start after head gasket change...HELP

okay so i just got my my sundowner back together after a head gasket change... now i can't get it started... the valve timing is correct... I've played with the ignintion timing to no avail...I'm at a loss here guys. I have spark and compression... almost acts as though the fuel isn't making it into the combustion chamber from the carb... but the carb is flooding? I thought maybe a vacuum line or maybe something electrical with the carb? HELP

Double check all your vac and fuel lines. I'm pretty sure you'll find your issue there. The fuel pump is running?

If you don't have vac and carb diagrams, I've got them laying around here somewhere and could dig them up and post some scans if you need.

Yeah i could definately use the diagrams... I have a chilton's manual here but it doesn't really show anything in depth for the non rotor trucks....

Hey! Turns out there are already on the forum, just didn't notice, so I can't take credit, but here they are:



and

^^^ Carbs and vacuum are different on the pre 86ers bro. If you have the money ditch the stock carb and get one off ebay, I will look and see what mine is. Mine is actually for a VW but works on my 83 2.0. Give me a few.

You can either use a Weber 32 36 DFAV or a Holley 5200. I got extremely lucky when I got mine and only paid 50 bucks brand new for it on ebay. Doing a carb swap on these trucks and the 86-93 is a must once you start having problems, it just saves so much headache. Good luck man, wish I could be more help.

Hey man thanks for the diagram... I got a good handle on the vacuum lines. Turns out my cam timing has to be off... If you conver the carb with your hand, it actually blows your hand off the carb when you crank it... so i guess the info i had on the timing must have been wrong. Any input about the cam timing would be greatly appreciated... its killin me havin my mini in the garage in july!!!!!

sounds like you may be 180 out

I think Todd is right on, it's been to long since I have built my engine but I believe you have to pull the front end back off, get the chain off and spin the cam 180 degrees. If you have a chiltons you should be able to do it pretty easy.

Sounds like the motor wasn't TDC. I just went through this exact problem, mine keeps jumping timing throwing the dizzy off by 1 tooth.

by the way is this the white/cream color 83 with the smoothies?