1984 New Purchase
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
1984 New Purchase
Bought the car, has 44k miles on it. The car sat for 2 years. What should I change before attempting to start the car.
Car turns over but will not start. Previous owner did start using a can of starter and then it stalled out when that was done.
Any help would be appreciated.
Chuck
Car turns over but will not start. Previous owner did start using a can of starter and then it stalled out when that was done.
Any help would be appreciated.
Chuck
Last edited by Charles Terry; Oct 24, 2012 at 05:00 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 325
Likes: 7
From: Princeton Jct. New Jersey
Just rehabbing my '84 that had been sitting a while and had the no start problem. I'd change the fuel pump & filter first (the pump is fairly easy to access once you remove the rubber shoe, and if the gas gauge isn't working you probably will need to change the sending unit too), syphon out the gas tank and fill with fresh regular gas, change the oil and filter, check the level and condition of the coolant (flush & replace as needed), and run it for 15-20 minutes checking the coolant temperature guage -make sure the ECM turns the radiator fan on at about 210 to 215 deg.F. Then drive it a while, do a tune-up (plugs & air filter at a minimum), and check the spray on the throttle body injectors -should be a nice even cone shaped spray). On a 28 year old car, brakes, tires, shocks, bushings, 4-wheel alignment, and troubleshooting (the almost inevitable) electrical problems would be next. Enjoy -it's a hobby right ? 
Last edited by fredd1; Oct 25, 2012 at 02:52 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 11,889
Likes: 8
From: Whitefish Falls Ontario
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Before changing the fuel pump, check the 10 amp fuse in the passenger side of the dash. You need to open the passenger side door to access the cover to the fuse block.. 
Racer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 325
Likes: 7
From: Princeton Jct. New Jersey
Always a good idea to check fuses first. You might want to check for voltage and proper grounding at the pump too, just incase there's a wiring issue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
If your injectors don't get the proper PSI from the fuel pump, they will not fire (open)
With the air cleaner off, you'd see the injectors squirting...sounds like a lifter tapping when they are working
With the air cleaner off, you'd see the injectors squirting...sounds like a lifter tapping when they are working
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Shrub Oak NY
The contacts on all my fuses had corroded/turned ugly. At first it caused no problems but then it caused one. I bought all new shiny fuses and cleaned the contacts wit DeOxit which is a great cleaner used by audio people. Available online, radio shack or cheapest at Sam Ash music stores in a big can.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
Were I you, I would try one thing at a time......in other words, don't pull the injectors just yet. Put the new fuel pump in place and see what you get. Also put a fuel pressure gauge in line while your hands are dirty and your tools are out.
So, New pump, with a FPG in line before the injector thingy......you may find that your injectors are working fine and you can return the two you bought.
So, New pump, with a FPG in line before the injector thingy......you may find that your injectors are working fine and you can return the two you bought.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
I will do that, can you tell me if the pump was bad would I be getting good data from the sending unit? I do get good fuel level readings I believe, had a reading with the bad gas, emptied the tank and had a good reading and now I think a good reading with new gas added. The fuel filter looks like an easy replacement. 1985 model will be used.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 11,889
Likes: 8
From: Whitefish Falls Ontario
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
The fuel level indication could be working without the pump working. When you first turn the key on you should hear the fuel pump run for about 2 seconds. IF you run a wire from a 12v source to pin G of the ALDL connector (under the dash by your right knee) your pump should run. If it doesn't run check for 12v to the pump at the filler..
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
Even if your old pump "Works"....does it reach the PSI needed for the injectors to fire??
I can't remember if it is 12psi or 15psi....but I don know that if your pump is only going up to 6psi, the injectors will not squirt.
That is why I suggested adding a fuel pressure gauge inline......just do it temporarily and lay the gauge somewhere where you can see it as you crank the motor. Later, when diagnosing a "cut-out" (if that happens) you'll need that same FPG taped to your Windshield so you can see if your pump is maintaining the minimum PSI and RPMS.....so you might as well dig into this now.....
oh, and just so you know ahead if time (since you are new to our forum) The '84 FP vs '85 FP is a huge debate........just be ready for it.....
I used to be a proponent of putting an '85 into an '84......but after hearing some good debate on the subject, I no longer feel that way.
I can't remember if it is 12psi or 15psi....but I don know that if your pump is only going up to 6psi, the injectors will not squirt.
That is why I suggested adding a fuel pressure gauge inline......just do it temporarily and lay the gauge somewhere where you can see it as you crank the motor. Later, when diagnosing a "cut-out" (if that happens) you'll need that same FPG taped to your Windshield so you can see if your pump is maintaining the minimum PSI and RPMS.....so you might as well dig into this now.....
oh, and just so you know ahead if time (since you are new to our forum) The '84 FP vs '85 FP is a huge debate........just be ready for it.....
I used to be a proponent of putting an '85 into an '84......but after hearing some good debate on the subject, I no longer feel that way.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 11,889
Likes: 8
From: Whitefish Falls Ontario
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I agree with the use of a pressure gauge, but I also think that you need to determine if you are getting power to the pump before you go to install a new pump. The normal pressure s/b 13psi..
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Spokane WA
I just bought an 84 in June. It runs pretty good for an old car. I hope you get yours running. I will be following your posts and learning as I go. My first vette and good luck with your new purchase.
