Couldn't find this particular starting problem using the search feature...

History: Just changed timing chain + gaskets and seals + oil pan gasket + water pump.

The engine turns over and runs for a few seconds at ~200 or so RPM.

I step on the gas halfway down and it will start and run for quite a while at 500 rpm with terrible shaking and stumbling sounds. If I let up or step on the gas more the engine stumbles and kills.

The car was running great before I did this. I just had a LOT of oil leaks.

I have two ideas....did I some how not line up the dots on the timing gears properly and/or not put the opti on right? When taking the water pump off there was a little coolant I spilled on the front of the opti. I understand the opti spline is keyed and only slides in easy one way.

Its a '93 so I'm going to see if I can pull any codes.

Thanks in advance.

 

It is VERY easy to screw up the splines on the 93-94 unvented Opti drive shaft. In theory, it only goes together easilly one way, as you suggested. But in fact, I'd estimate at least 10-15% of the Opti installs are "off" due to the splines not being aligned correctly.

It's also possible you have the timing set misalligned. Its possible you have a couple plug wires crossed on the Opti.

For any of the above problems, it will not set any codes.

If I read your post correctly, you changed the timing chain and water pump, but not the Opti. Does the Opti have 180,000 miles on it, or has it been replcaed at some prior time?

 

I didn't replace the opti this time, but I did back when the car was at 100K miles.

 

Injuneer, you were right. It was the Opti put on wrong. What a dumb design. Its SOOO easy to put on wrong. I had to try 2 or 3 more time w/o the WP on to get it right...but I test drove it today and it drives like a new car with NO leaks. :-)

Thanks

 

Glad it worked out. Thank you for the feedback..... I try and help a lot of people, but very few take the time to close the loop.