Engine starts/revs but no idle

[Dave W]

Can you check your fuel pressure. Should be around 38 PSI. Pull off the return hose on the fuel regulator and verify flow, or swap in a known good regulator. You could also pull fuel manifold, and check if the injectors are leaking. But I would think the odds that they would all leak is pretty low, unless you have extremely high fuel pressure. Dave W

[GenkiMotors]

No leaks when checked, I swapped the fuel pressure regulator from the running loaner engine and no change. Disconnected the return line and confirmed fuel flow. Injectors have brand new o-rings and insulators. I have a tomei adjustable regulator with pressure gauge I can try tomorrow.

[GenkiMotors]

Put the fuel pressure gauge on and bridged the connector for the pump. Fuel pressure was right at 38psi... I'm absolutely stumped...

*EDIT* I did another compression test (on a moderately cold engine), this time the cylinders were #1: 1450kpa (210psi), #2: 1450kpa (210psi), #3: 1470kpa (213psi), #4: 1430kpa (207psi) so the compression is lower than previously stated.

Just for reference, before I rebuilt the engine, the compression was #1: 1400kpa (203psi), #2: 1000kpa (145psi), #3: 1350kpa (195psi), #4: 1450kpa (210psi), when I took the engine apart, the ringlands in pistons 2&3 were cracked, but the rings were not cracked which is why I think it was able to make some compression.

Thanks again you guys for the responses! I really appreciate it

[Dave W]

Check the vacuum hose going to the fuel reg. Do you see a change in fuel pressure. When disconnected, should be at 38 PSI and at idle it should be about 29 PSI.
Double check the cold start injector for leakage, when the engine is up to temp.
Dave W

[GenkiMotors]

Every vacuum hose has been replaced and checked. Fuel pressures are where they should be. I took the cold start injector out and checked, no leaks.
I tried starting it with some vacuum hoses disconnected and it kind of idled longer letting more air in.

[Ivan141]

I'm assuming you are using the engine diagnostics manual we link to on the aeu86 home page, that way you can systematically rule out the most likely causes.
And it might sound silly, but put up some pictures of your engine install, with some special attention to ground points. I know we have a few people here who can spot something off with one look.

Also have a look at these (in case you havent already):
https://www.club4ag.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=17881
https://www.club4ag.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11079

[totta Crolla]

Try removing the SAFC
Cusco MFE doesn't need it with those cams anyway.

[GenkiMotors]

I'll take some pics and upload them soon. Taking a few days off from the car to focus on work and so I can come back to it with a clear head