Then wires.
85 starting problems (backfire/popping)
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Gardnerville Nevada
85 starting problems (backfire/popping)
I have an 85 coupe that wouldn't start after I drove it home the other day. I was a little peeved so I drove my truck around for a few days. Then tried to start it and it started right up. Then a few days later I drove it for about an hour and parked it for about an hour and I went to start it and it wouldn't start again. But now while I'm cranking there's popping and backfire coming from the exhaust. I waited a while to see if there was any change but still no start, just the popping from the exhaust.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 520
Likes: 6
From: Elverson PA
I would pull a plug and smell to see if raw fuel is on it.
If wet, than no spark. If not, probably no fuel.
Check for spark with an assistant watching the plug near a ground (like the head). Don't have them hold it, but try to set it somewhere where it will lay next to the metal and have them watch it. It should be a nice big blue spark not a wimpy little orange one.
Listen for the fuel pump to prime if you have spark and no fuel. I don't think this will be the case b/c you have that popping. This is the humming noise you hear for 5 sec or so with key turned to on without engaging the starter.
If you have spark and fuel, check the timing. This is very easy to do. If you own a timing light, you probably know how to do this. If not, get a buddy to do it.
Good luck. Let us know how you do. I could list off a few more basic things to check.
Dave
If wet, than no spark. If not, probably no fuel.
Check for spark with an assistant watching the plug near a ground (like the head). Don't have them hold it, but try to set it somewhere where it will lay next to the metal and have them watch it. It should be a nice big blue spark not a wimpy little orange one.
Listen for the fuel pump to prime if you have spark and no fuel. I don't think this will be the case b/c you have that popping. This is the humming noise you hear for 5 sec or so with key turned to on without engaging the starter.
If you have spark and fuel, check the timing. This is very easy to do. If you own a timing light, you probably know how to do this. If not, get a buddy to do it.
Good luck. Let us know how you do. I could list off a few more basic things to check.
Dave
Last edited by black85; May 11, 2011 at 10:36 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 520
Likes: 6
From: Elverson PA
Yes. I forgot to mention plug wires! You can look under the hood in the dark for arcs along the spark plug wires (if you can get it started). This will show if your spark is all "leaking out." This will become undrivable, first occurring on rainy days.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
no mention of codes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 3
From: Richmond Virginia
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