car wont start help!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver B.C.
I think the ignition is the weakest link, and the easiest problem to diagnose and fix too.
Pull a wire and check for spark....if none, open the cap and carefully inspect the rotor. I once had the very same problem and found a burned through hole in my HEI rotor. Unusual sure, but a very quick (and cheap) fix. Perhaps another ign. related parts failure.
Beyond that, check for codes. Many other causes for your problem for sure. Fuel system. ECM.
Pull a wire and check for spark....if none, open the cap and carefully inspect the rotor. I once had the very same problem and found a burned through hole in my HEI rotor. Unusual sure, but a very quick (and cheap) fix. Perhaps another ign. related parts failure.
Beyond that, check for codes. Many other causes for your problem for sure. Fuel system. ECM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
For starters, why don't you tell us what year your Corvette is.
Engines require spark, and at the right time, fuel and air, and in the correct ratio. Use your timing light while someone cranks the engine to see if it has spark and spark at the right time. Use a fuel pressure gauge on the shraeder valve on the end of the fuel rail (except for 84's) and see if you have correct fuel pressure and if it holds up after you turn the ignition off. Rapid drop in fuel pressure shows possible leaky injectors causing a too rich condition to start. Pull a spark plug and see if it is wet with gas, another test for leaky injector. Unplug an injector and put a noid light (available at parts house), or a low power 12v lamp like a side marker light across the injector plug and crank the engine. You should see the light pulse showing that the ECM is pulsing the injectors.
Engines require spark, and at the right time, fuel and air, and in the correct ratio. Use your timing light while someone cranks the engine to see if it has spark and spark at the right time. Use a fuel pressure gauge on the shraeder valve on the end of the fuel rail (except for 84's) and see if you have correct fuel pressure and if it holds up after you turn the ignition off. Rapid drop in fuel pressure shows possible leaky injectors causing a too rich condition to start. Pull a spark plug and see if it is wet with gas, another test for leaky injector. Unplug an injector and put a noid light (available at parts house), or a low power 12v lamp like a side marker light across the injector plug and crank the engine. You should see the light pulse showing that the ECM is pulsing the injectors.
