Geo Tracker Engine help

stewartgivens

stewartgivens

RockEater
Joined
Apr 13, 2005
Location
Charlotte
I need some help getting a Tracker running - want to pull the engine to put in a Samurai for my 13yr old, but need to have it running before I pull it. We bought the Tracker last year for parts, just now trying to get it running. Previous owner thought there were some timing issues with it.

1996 Geo Tracker with 8v engine. Preparation for getting it running:
  • bypassed the fuel tank using external pump to pull fresh gas from a clean gas can and return to same.
  • changed oil/filter to put synthetic in it for easier cranking this winter
  • has new distributor, plug wires, plugs
  1. It is getting fuel
  2. It is getting spark to the spark plugs
  3. It is getting air
But -
it turns over slowly (compared to what I'm used to with GM LS engines)
It never fires

Wondering if there are any safety switches that prevent cranking, etc., and what troubleshooting steps to try next.

Stewart
 
I assume it is EFI. Have you checked fuel pressure at the rail? Is the timing correct? Any check engine codes? All sensors connected and intake connected? I have no experience with that motor but these would be good things to know.
 
Hey, thanks man. It's EFI, but throttle body. I'm pumping gas in, it has the regulator on the carb, and I'm getting fuel in the return line, don't know how to see if it is actually getting sprayed into the carb. I'll check on the codes - good idea.
 
bad about timing belt teeth coming & making the timing be off & it will bend valves & make it turn over slow
i would check the timing
 
It won't bend valves. It's a non-interference motor. They are bad for having the ECM go bad and it won't pulse the injector. As you're cranking it, you should hear it clicking and see some fuel shooting down the throttle body. You can also use a little shot of starting fluid to see if you've got fire and timing close to correct. It's pretty easy to get the timing off if you've changed the timing belt or pulled the distributor for any reason.
 
Will it fire with starting fluid?
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Tried it with starter fluid, no luck. Andy Z. was over at the house, thought it sounded like there may be a significant timing issue. I'm going to checked that first, then try the ECM.
 
Back
Top