Issues causing me issues

[MichaelDemon]

So i took on what was supposed to be a quick weekend job of swapping a motor out that went bad, found a good complete motor at the local JY and pulled them both out with no issues, installing the new to me motor was where my issues started and ive been fighting this kj that just wants to die in peace for a month now... its taking up precious garage space and im at a loss.

So little more info is needed im sure, car in question is a 03 4x4 auto, jeep i got the motor from was either an 03 or 04 4x4 manual, i dont remember which and at this point its no longer in the jy to check. But it was a manual, that was my first fight (pilot bearing adaptor) got that sorted, intake was wrong so swapped the old one onto new motor, different fuel injectors so took the old ones again, had to replace spark plugs because i dont know how it was running at all with no center left, old COP used because again known good parts. Got everything together and then went to crank the motor and found out the battery kicked the bucket (was from 21 so understandable) no im at a loss because current issue - hopefully last issue) it will crank, but sounds like its almost 180 out of time, has a backfire and shoots something misted from passenger side head near injector/cop area but only the first time i try to crank each time... been fighting this issue for a few days now, swapped crank sensor from old motor, cant find anything else that doesnt match. Everything is plugged in and it isnt running so i dont have any codes, need to get this thing out of my garage because other vehicles need to go in for work done.

 

[KJowner]

Have you seen this 'good' motor run in the yard or is it just what they told you?

 

[MichaelDemon]

Have you seen this 'good' motor run in the yard or is it just what they told you?

I turned it over and it tested good compression. Has a bunch of new parts externally.

 

[24turbo]

Just a quick guess, but it was in that year range they did an ECM change (cant remember the specifics of years). To make it work requires changing a couple parts including the cam sprocket with the reluctor for the cam position sensor (they look very similar but there is a difference in the "windows") and also the crankshaft reluctor ring. That requires a fair amount of work but it is doable. There is a thread on here detailing what needs to be done.

If that isnt the problem I would check cam timing (probably fine if it has good compression) and sensor connections as well as grounds to start with.