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Topic: Engine wont fire (Read 907 times) previous topic - next topic

Engine wont fire

Have a 87 bird with a 3.8( thats the first problem) anyhow. Car ran fine till the other day. Drove home parked it came out the next am and no start. Turns over fine but no go. On another thread someone had me check the inertia switch stating cold weather can affect them, checked it and it wouldnt reset so replaced it. It was 36 that am so it fit with being cold. Anyway to where I am now. I have fuel pump working again and injectors spraying and no firing. I did shoot a bit of fuel down the throttle body and it starts right up and runs for a few seconds. Any ideas? Only have had the car a month or so and put about 300 miles on it. The car had always started on the first try granted I have not had it all that long. Thanks in advance. Dan

Engine wont fire

Reply #1
sounds like what i had with my 88 cougar when i got rid of it. idk how likely it would be for the fuel pump to fall in the tank if its stock. but it sounds like you have a low pressure situation. get a fuel pressure gage and see what she has when you prime the system. it should be around 36 psi. and if its low pressure check for restrictions in the lines or even take a peek at the fuel pressure regulator. what year bird/cat do you have? That also will help out.
2001 Buick Regal LS (DD):hick:

Got that fox rash again!

-Resident smartass! :ies:

- Don't listen to the naysayers. For every person who actually helps with your project there will be 10 who will discourage you all the while thinking that they are helping. 99% of all people have good intentions. That doesn't make them right.- XR7 Dave - SCCOA.Com

Engine wont fire

Reply #2
Its a 87, I know I am grasping at straws but I swear  the ignition switch is part of the problem. If I wiggle it just enough I can start the car or atleast turn it over with no key. And I can get the dam key in ign chime with no key anywhere near it.

Engine wont fire

Reply #3
well check for burnt wires on the ign switch on the colum. your gonna have to take off the covers and pull down the colum to get in there at it. but it is possible that it could be the prob.but check fuel pressure first then work your way twards eletrical.
2001 Buick Regal LS (DD):hick:

Got that fox rash again!

-Resident smartass! :ies:

- Don't listen to the naysayers. For every person who actually helps with your project there will be 10 who will discourage you all the while thinking that they are helping. 99% of all people have good intentions. That doesn't make them right.- XR7 Dave - SCCOA.Com

Engine wont fire

Reply #4
Fuel pressure stays right around 40psi at start up, maybe I am nuts but I seriously think after starting the car and releasing the key to run position the switch is shutting it back down since the pump stops and car dies. I can hold the switch without it returning all the way to run and keep the car running without having the starter staying engaged. I dropped the covers and wires dont appear burnt. I also dont need a key now as long as I dont lock the wheel. That I just noticed so am not sure how long that has been going on. Thanks Dan

 

Engine wont fire

Reply #5
Well to end the saga of the non running car. I went and got a new ignition switch and replaced it. Tried it and still had the same scenario. Got pissed and decided to watch some of the race so reinstalled the gas tank, got pissed since I wasnt hearing the pump run earlier. had my son give it a turn while I was under it at the back listening for the pump and now it is fine. Apparently what ever electrical fairy I had been praying to heard me and fixed it, atleast for now. Thanks for the help Dan