A friend of mine replaced the head gaskets on the motor because 1 was blown. The car ran fine before except for using alot of water. Now since he got it back together when he tries to start it the motor bucks like it wants to jump off the mounts and it spews out black smoke from the exhaust. The injectors seem to be letting in way to much fuel at idle. I checked firing order,valve adjustment, and timing seemed close but I didn't have my timing lite with me. He also replaced the MAP sensor. no difference. we can't keep it running long enough to do a code scan on it. I'm going back out tomorrow to look at it again. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

My guess is timing and/or the coolant temperature sensor.

If it persists, don't just read codes but actually look at the data stream to see what the sensors are saying.

Peter

Yesterday I checked the valves on the drivers side because that was the easy valve cover to pull. today I decided to pull the distributor move it ahead 1 tooth. It started and idled better but it was spitting back through the TB. I told Bob to pull the plugs and went to my garage to get my compression tester. I had no compression on the first 3 cylinders on the pass side and 150-160 on the drivers side. I told Bob to pull the pass valve cover sure enough all the valves were to tight on that side. I readjusted the valves and the car started, idle is alittle rough, misses occasionally and it seems to fluctuate like a vaccum leak. but I couldn't find any missing or lose lines. when I reved it up it sounded good but it's only at idle that it's not quite right. the check engine light is on but atleast he can get to AutoZone to get it checked. Thanks for the suggestions

Did you bring up number one to the compression stroke and then reset the distributor?