Complete no start

Alright, I’ve been chasing this problem for over 2 weeks and I’m at my wits end trying to find any info online, no one likes talking about the 2.4l taco, I started having a no start issue after my taco had its oil cap blow off (didn’t crank it down all the way like an idiot) I got a complete no start figured it wasn’t getting spark because that’s been a common issue, replaced cap and button, it ran for an hour then died leaving for work, it has spark, fuel, air, and compression I could only assume I’ve jumped time, but I cannot find anyone that knows where the timing marks should line up, I’ve heard 8 different ways it could be, but now I’m just lost, if anyone knows at least where the marks should line up that would be crazy helpful, thank you.

 

You said you got compression, what are those number? It's chain driven, it will be harder to jump timing unlike belt driven. Did you pull the entire distributor out to replace the cap & rotor and didn't put it back in correctly? If the vehicle ran fine for an hour after you service it, I highly doubt timing will be your issue. Even with bad timing, your truck will start and run, just rough with a p0300 code.

What are the 8 ways of timing did you hear?

 

The compression was 120, I’ve checked the timing it’s all fine, I replaced the cap and button first and it ran for about an hour, then I replaced the distributor completely and yes I did put it back on the right timing, I’m assuming because of the trouble codes on the ecu that it’s the camshaft position sensor that is making it go haywire.

 

The first thing I'd check on a first gen with crank no start is the condition of the BN7 connector under the seat. Open it up and see how it looks.

My '98 'crank no start' was extra difficult to track down, because it still showed 12V when cranking, at the fuel pump connector, with the pump disconnected.

Check if it will start up and run with starting fluid first.