I have a 1990 dodge caravan, I replaced the oil pump, the oil pan gasket, and the valve cover gasket. I went to start my car, and it just cranked. I ended up replacing the fuel filter, spark plugs, coil, spark wires, Oil pressure switch and vacuum hose lines. I go to crank the engine, it seems like it almost wants to start then it seems like it fires too early or something. what could it be? I didn't touch anything to do with timing.

 

Did you check the codes? It's not OBDII but it might tell you something.

 

Do you have a 3.0L or 3.3L? and did you have the timing belt or chain off?

 

it is the 2.5L, no didn't touch the timing belt.

 

I think I see what Master Tech is getting at. Does it turn over a lot faster, or easier than it did before? I wonder too about the timing belt. It would be a heck of a coincidence but it happens. I don't have my manual here but does the 4 cyl have an overhead cam that you can see that the timing belt/chain is not broke? When they go out on the 3.0's, you can look into the oil fill hole and see if things are moving while cranking the engine.

 

Yea, I checked the timing belt it was ok, I just took it down to some friends at a mechanics shop, they'll figure it out. Thanks.

 

Try disconnecting the negitive post of the battery and let the computer reset. This helped with my problem like that. Let it set for about 15 min. before you reconnect the battery.

 

I know exactly what is wrong, ignition timing is way off cuz the oil pump drives the distributor and if you didn't get the slot in the right spot, the distributor timing will be way off.