Ok, so I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for me to try. The car is an '88 with a 406cid engine running an Accell get7 DFI system. The car has over half a tank of premium gas which might be about 7-8 months old. I had the car out and running a few months ago with no problems. It didn't run well, but it ran without problems and I was able to take it around the block a few times.

Now, it cranks but won't fire. I can get it to fire a few times by spraying TB cleaner or starting fluid into the intake. As soon as that burns off, the car dies. Every once in a while it will back fire.

Nothing has been touched since it was last running. It was stored in a heated garage and sat with no changes.

I have replaced sparkplugs and inspected the sp wires. The plugs did have fuel on them and smelled like gas. I hear the fuel pump run when starting the car and the fuel injectors have the correct voltage and show the correct impedience when checked. I don't think its a fuel problem.

I do get spark with a plug removed from the engine. I took the distributer apart as shown here: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ht=distributor. All of the tests are normal.

Testing the coil-
#1 - 0 ohms
#2 - 106k ohms

Testing pickup-
#1 - 0 ohms
#2 - 776 ohms

So, all of that seems normal.

Any ideas here or different things to try?

Thanks,

-JRW

 

I don't consider myself an egg-spurt but if it will fire with starting fluid ignition can assume to be good. First have you checked fuel pressure at the rail?What was it? How old is the fuel filter? Have you checked for water in the gas tank? Lastly get a set of noid lights and check to insure the injectors are actually firing.

 

I was checking the ignition in case it was strong enough for the starting fluid but not for actual gas.

I plan to replace the fuel filter this week, so I will see if that works.

I have not checked the fuel pressure. Whats the easiest way to do that? On my other C4 I have a port on my regulator with which I could easily attach my gauge... this car's regulator doesn't have that.

Again, I do have fuel on the plugs!

I have not checked for water in the gas... how would I do that? Should I maybe use an additive in the tank now?

Thanks,

-JRW

 

I missed the fact this was another engine. About all I can suggest is look at the manual that came with the engine management system. Do you know what it is and who built it? I have a book that covers several after market systems. If you can give me a clue I will see what I can find. As far as water goes I would try to capture some gas, a clear quart jar full, frm where gas enters your fuel rail. Let it sit for a few minutes and if there is much water mixed in they,water and gas, will layer with water being on the bottom.

 

Running with starter spray only is a sure sign that no fuel is being injected into the engine. Put a fuel pressure gauge on the shrader valve on the end of the fuel rail. It should be 40 psi and with the ign off it should hold for a long time. As suggested, put a noid light or a low power 12v lamp like a side marker lamp across one of the injector sockets and see if it flashes when cranking.