Car won't start!

  • onefast87
    onefast87
    Senior Member
    • 696

    Car won't start!

    here is some background on my car.
    1987 NA 5 speed. Bone stock.
    This car ran poorly even since i bought it, but didn't care because i was gonna fix it with all the parts i have.
    Now i have given up and im trying to sell it.

    I went out to start it today, and it will not start.
    Here is what i have done.
    -It has fuel and spark
    -checked the plugs, they are ok, a little wet and good spark
    -ran the codes, everything appears ok(maybe it's because i checked while the engine was cold)
    -checked all fuses and fusable links
    -i see an rpm signal when cranking
    -Battery is good + i kept it on the charger to make sure it was full of power.
    -Tried adjusting the timing on the distributor(also tried my spare distributor)
    -all injectors are firing
    -fuel pump primes and comes on, but i have no way of checking the fuel pressure

    Before i had this problem, the car started fine everytime, but it sputtered lots( like a miss) and it backfired alot when you revved it up.

    Any input is greatly appreciated, it was running a few days ago and now nothing, just cranks over and smells like gas.
    http://www.youtube.com/user/onefast87
  • Shuman47
    Shuman47
    Senior Member
    • 204

    #2
    Re: Car won't start!

    Mine used to do something like this before, it wouldn't start so I would crank it with the fuel pump disconnected for a few seconds, give it fuel back, and it would usually start. Check all sensors for connection and functionality if you can. Also give the MAF a look.
  • onefast87
    onefast87
    Senior Member
    • 696

    #3
    Re: Car won't start!

    I did check all the major sensors and connectors, i also checked the maf, it seemed fine, not clogged or anything, looks like it was replaced a while ago.
    http://www.youtube.com/user/onefast87
  • DMANN
    DMANN
    Senior Member
    • 544

    #4
    Re: Car won't start!

    Try new spark plugs!!!

    Same issue years ago put it on the scanner nothing… new plugs ran great.

    My 2 cents.
    88na2T-s13,q45 swap 12.6@110mph
    87T 2+2 auto,stock
  • onefast87
    onefast87
    Senior Member
    • 696

    #5
    Re: Car won't start!

    New plugs, still nothing.
    i tested the fuel pressure today, i put a gauge right after the fuel filter and it i got roughly 90LBS. does this sound right?
    should i put the gauge after the FPR?

    also, i used the car on friday to boost my truck, could something have happened?
    http://www.youtube.com/user/onefast87
  • onefast87
    onefast87
    Senior Member
    • 696

    #6
    Re: Car won't start!

    I checked for spark at each spark plug, and all of a sudden the car runs like new.
    Starts perfect, runs really good, but it backfires under load.
    I don't know what happened, but it runs.

    Someone can delete this post.
    http://www.youtube.com/user/onefast87