C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Car won't start - Need Advice

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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 09:53 PM
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From: Gadsden AL
Default Car won't start - Need Advice

Having problem with 86 not starting. I hate to go into so much detail but need to relate the history of problem. Several months ago, the car developed a slightly rough idle and was a little rough on very low speed cruising (1000-1200 rpm).

I had the plugs, wires, dist cap, and fuel filter replaced but didn't help. I tool it to local chevy dealer for diagnostics but that turned out to be a joke. I didn't get any codes. I ran a couple of the better fuel system/fuel injector cleaner through it and it seemed to run better but still a slight roughness. At times, it all but disappeared. Lately, the car became a little slow starting. I would have to crank for 3-4 seconds and pat the accelerator for it to start. Once started, it ran fine except for the slight roughness.

Today, it cranked after the slight pat on the accelerator but went dead when I put the car in gear. Ever since, the car refuses to crank. It acts like it is getting no gas. It will chug a little like it is getting a very small amount of gas at times but thats about it. Any thoughts, advice, etc. I am having trouble finding anyone in my area that really knows what they are doing with the fuel injection. Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!
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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 10:04 PM
  #2  
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From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Default Re: Car won't start - Need Advice (goodson)

Check the basics. Are you getting fuel and spark?

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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 10:45 PM
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From: Sun City West Az
Default Re: Car won't start - Need Advice (Jeffvette)

:iagree: Get a fuel pressure guage hooked up to the Schrader valve to check pressure with just the key on. Should be up around 40 psi or so. Pull several different plug wires (one at a time) and short out to ground while cranking .....look for spark jump. It might be a good idea to ohm out your injectors to see if any is shorted out.


[Modified by ittlfly, 7:47 PM 3/8/2004]
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Old Mar 8, 2004 | 10:46 PM
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Default Re: Car won't start - Need Advice (goodson)

You aren't making any sense: quote (Ever since, the car refuses to crank. .......it will chug a little ....)
How can the engine chug a little when the starter will not crank the engine?

First check for spark on each plug wire with a timing light while cranking. Next, measure the fuel pressure on the shraeder valve on the fuel rail and see how long it takes for the fuel pressure to drop after pressurization. If it drops rapidly, you have one or more leaky injectors and your engine is flooded and will not start because the fuel/air is too rich. New injectors are indicated. Next unplug an injector on each bank and connect a low power 12v lamp on the injector plug and crank the engine. The lamp must pulse when cranking showing that the ECM is operating the injectors. Remove the flexible air horn on the MAF to ensure that the engine is getting air (clogged air filter) and try starting the engine.
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Old Mar 9, 2004 | 12:08 AM
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From: Granite City Illinois
Default Re: Car won't start - Need Advice (goodson)

Do the basics first, add three gallons of gasoline, do not rely on the gas guage. If it doesn't start, my guess is the fuel pump.
LOL :steering: :steering:
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