bad smell...new engine...wont start

[aa542]

I have a 1986 4 Runner and have just done an engine swap due to a blown head gasket and high miles. As far as I can tell everything is ready to go but when I turn over the engine it wont fire...it sounds like it's trying to and will briefly sputter when I let off the key. There is also a smell like burning plastic coming from what seems to be the distributor. All looks well in the cap but I am definately concerned by it. Any ideas??

[Brian R.]

See the troubleshooting section here:

http://aarc.epnet.com/application/8578/8578.htm

Under the heading:
Engine Performance and Tune
- - Electronic Ignition System

Also see the sections:
Engine and Engine Overhaul
- - Engine Electrical
- - - - Ignition Coil
- - - - Distributor

If you can get a distributor from a salvage yard, you can try substituting it for yours and see what happens.

Check for loose connections and incomplete high voltage connections between coil and distributor. Check your high voltage wires for resistance. Check your coil primary and secondary windings for resistance. (Even with good resistance with ohm meter, coil is most likely problem if you have to end up guessing).

To me, a bad smell usually indicates a short or bad connection that is arcing - possibly within a semiconductor component.

[aa542]

I am getting good spark and feel that it may be some kind of fuel delivery issue. The distributor has been replaced recently and the cap, rotor, plugs, and wires are all new the coil has been replaced within the past year as well. Have been told that the smell could be from new wires and cap? With enough cranking the engine will "run" but VERY VERY WEAKLY and when the gas pedel is released it dies (not that it was "really running")