rebuilt the engine and did everything to make sure the timing was correct when I put it back together........engine just turns over and pops,(backfires) when trying to crank.......I did break what i beleive to be the knock sensor..(back of motor right next to the valve cover on the driver side...small 2 pin sensor), and havent replaced it yet..will that make it do this or is the timing off, is the distributer adjustable??
1992 cherokee sport 4.0i6

thanks........

 

the sensor you broke is the coolant temperature sending unit, and will not cause your current issue.

distributor is non-adjustable, nor is the timing.

Check to make sure the distributor is seated all the way (pin at 5 o'clock). Also make sure it is not clocked 180 degrees from the position it should be in (common mistake). Make sure the #1 piston is at TDC before installing the distributor.

Also make sure you have the plugs connected in the correct firing order

 

we started this rebuild a few weeks back and when we took the intake off my buddy that helped removed a sensor from the intake to clean the intake and now we cant find that sensor..........what sensor is this?? it sits right next to the throttle body on the edge of the intake next to a couple of vacume ports..it screws into the intake and has a wire harness to plug into it. if i knew the type of sensor it was i could buy a new one but my book i have dont list it.
thanks

 

Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IAT)

Also that coolant sensor you broke is for the gauges only, and won't affect engine operation.

 

dont mean to sound like such a dumba** on the questions, we actually got it running here a bit ago and I found my sensor........thanks for your help.

 

no worries that's what we're here for