89 Not Starting...need help
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Sumter SC
89 Not Starting...need help
I've exhausted what little knowledge I have so I'm coming to you guys for help. I have a 1989 L98 that will not start. It ran fine the last time I drove it, sat for a couple of weeks, now this. It turns over fine. I'm getting spark, the fuel pressure is good. During this process I've replaced the fuel filter, fuel pump (died during troubleshooting) and the computer. It almost started once...ran for about 30 seconds (very roughly) then died. Before I get it towed to the Vette Doctor any suggestions would be very helpful.
Pete
Pete
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
gee... when was the last tune up?
I am thinking something as simple as a coil. It has enough to give spark, but not enough to create or sustain fire.
Also, inside the distributor is a little module... they die...
I am thinking something as simple as a coil. It has enough to give spark, but not enough to create or sustain fire.
Also, inside the distributor is a little module... they die...
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,333
Likes: 263
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
There might be some good info for you here.
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Ig...System-EST.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/En...ButWontRun.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Fu...mDiagnosis.pdf
This is from my 86, but may still help you. If there is a problem with a file from my webspace, let me know and I can email the file.
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Ig...System-EST.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/En...ButWontRun.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/corvette86/Fu...mDiagnosis.pdf
This is from my 86, but may still help you. If there is a problem with a file from my webspace, let me know and I can email the file.
Last edited by AGENT 86; Oct 2, 2004 at 10:04 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Unplug an injector and clip a low power 12v lamp across the injector socket and crank the engine. The lamp should pulse while cranking showing that the injectors are being excercised by the ECM. Also, does the fuel pressure drop rapidly when you turn the ign off? If so, you have leaky injectors which cause too rich mixture to start.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Sumter SC
More information on no start
Here are some things that I forgot to mention in the first post. I am not getting any codes, just the one-two code. I have been following the service manual as best as I can. I checked for the pulse at the injectors but could only see a steady light which is the reason I replaced the ECM. Since that didn't work, I checked the wiring harness for an open or short and didn't find anything wrong. The injectors are taking over an hour to start bleeding off so I don't thing they are the problem. Any other suggestions?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Sumter SC
No Start
I used a 12v trouble light and also tried using a DVM with the range turned down low to try to see any fluctuation and did not see any. Is there a special light used to see this? Other than using an oscilliscope (which I don't have) I don't see any other way.
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Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Auto parts places sell a light called a, "Noid" meant for detecting injector pulses. A low power 12v lamp like a side marker lamp will pulse. I don't know what power your 12 trouble lamp is, but if it is too high, it won't respond to the injector pulses. A DVM won't respond fast enough to indicate anything.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: Irwindale Ca
I would spray starter fluid down the throttle body. If it starts, you have fire at the plugs. Its probably the voltage at your injectors. If you dont have fire at the plugs and you replaced the ECM, check the power to the ECM. Its a orange wire leading to the battery. It might be corroded. They usually rot thru due to battery acid. Check all the connections at the battery and the junction block. Hope this helps. 