Engine head gasket complete. Do have a ??

So I did a head gasket job on my 96, 2.7 last week. The tear down went smoothly, had the head resurfaced etc.. I replaced every gasket and seal impossibly could without pulling the engine. While working on the truck the black canister vacuum thing just above the fuse panel started making a periodic noise. Almost a plunging sound. I put the engine back together, everything went very good. New belts, tune up kit, thermostat etc. Rotated the engine over manually (spark plugs out) to check for noises/binding. All good! Cranked it over for a while and it finally started. PHEW! I still have the axles out, putting 4:56's in it so I haven't drove it yet. Here is my question. Prior to the work it would fire up almost immediately, now there is a delay. I feel like that black canister has something to do with it.... It acts as if it is waiting to build fuel pressure ..

Thoughts? I also changed the transfer case and transmission fluid. Doing new ball joints and front brakes as well. Can't wait to drive my baby!

 

That is the charcoal canister. It's part of the EVAP system. It absorbs fuel vapors from the gas tank, then when the engine is running under certain conditions, the engine sucks the vapors out of the canister. Are all the hoses and wires hooked up to it correctly? If I'm not mistaken the 2.7 has a hose coming from the air cleaner across the radiator over to the canister. I didn't see it in your picture, but everything wasn't back together.

I wouldn't think this would cause your delayed starting issue, unless there is a vacuum leak. There is a vacuum switching valve (VSV) which only allows the vapors to be sucked in the engine at certain times, like when the engine is warm and not at idle, or something like that. So it's possible that if this wasn't working it would be taking in too much air when you are cranking.

Anyway, you can go through the procedure in the repair manual to check the EVAP system.

 

I hooked up the hose you are referring too. I appreciate the info. I will give it a crack and see what happens.
Thanks

 

I missed a connection under the throttle body. She runs like a champ now! Halfway through the new gear instal! Should be on the road next week!