88 Vette will not start
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3rd Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3
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88 Vette will not start
MY 88 will not start. Put key in ignition-sounds like it wan ts to start but just whins and won't do anything. Seems like out of fuel but I have over a half tank of gas. Do not get smell of gas like a flooded engine. Check the FP fuse it was ok. HELP
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
Check codes in the computer for clues to detected faults.
To run, you need fuel, spark at the right split-second, and compression. Take any of those away, and it won't run.
1. your starter spins, but do you have ignition?
2. so if you find that you have ignition, do you have fuel?
3. if you have spark and fuel, is the internal engine still timed? (timing chain)
4. if your distributor is turning wth the starter spinning the crank, and your engine is timed (do you have fuel pressure when the crank is turning?)
5. are the fuel injector fuses good?
6. are the sparkplugs wet with fuel?
you are going to have to make some tests.
A. CHECK FOR INTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEMS
1. put the engine on top dead center #1. (finger in #1 plug hole, feel the whoosh of compression.)
2. look at the harmonic balancer and click the engine up to top dead center on the timing mark.
3. take the distributor cap off and determine that the rotor is pointing to the #1 spark plug wire position on the cap.
4. remove the left rocker cover and see if the #1 rockers are up and the valves are closed by wiggling them.
B. CHECK FOR EXTERNAL SUPPORT ACESSORY PROBLEMS
5. attach fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail and test for fuel pressure.
6. attach the spark plug to the #1 plug wire you removed when you determined the engine had compression on #1 cylinder, and ground the plug body. have someone turn the engine with the key and watch the spark at the spark plug. does it have spark?
C. no fuel, check fuel pump, relay and filter, tank ground wire and plug.
D. no ignition, check grounds and fuses, distributor modules, ignition coil, etc.
Because the engine spins with the key, the vats is not causing a no start.
To run, you need fuel, spark at the right split-second, and compression. Take any of those away, and it won't run.
1. your starter spins, but do you have ignition?
2. so if you find that you have ignition, do you have fuel?
3. if you have spark and fuel, is the internal engine still timed? (timing chain)
4. if your distributor is turning wth the starter spinning the crank, and your engine is timed (do you have fuel pressure when the crank is turning?)
5. are the fuel injector fuses good?
6. are the sparkplugs wet with fuel?
you are going to have to make some tests.
A. CHECK FOR INTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEMS
1. put the engine on top dead center #1. (finger in #1 plug hole, feel the whoosh of compression.)
2. look at the harmonic balancer and click the engine up to top dead center on the timing mark.
3. take the distributor cap off and determine that the rotor is pointing to the #1 spark plug wire position on the cap.
4. remove the left rocker cover and see if the #1 rockers are up and the valves are closed by wiggling them.
B. CHECK FOR EXTERNAL SUPPORT ACESSORY PROBLEMS
5. attach fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail and test for fuel pressure.
6. attach the spark plug to the #1 plug wire you removed when you determined the engine had compression on #1 cylinder, and ground the plug body. have someone turn the engine with the key and watch the spark at the spark plug. does it have spark?
C. no fuel, check fuel pump, relay and filter, tank ground wire and plug.
D. no ignition, check grounds and fuses, distributor modules, ignition coil, etc.
Because the engine spins with the key, the vats is not causing a no start.
Last edited by coupeguy2001; May 30, 2011 at 07:12 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,316
Likes: 246
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Do you hear the pump run for 2 seconds when ignition is switched on ?
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/En...ButWontRun.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/En...ButWontRun.pdf
