Turn Over - No Start - Followed Checklist -

[DonMaximo]

Car was running -- pulled heads -- reinstalled them -- fire up engine -- after a little while 1 or 2 rockers got noisy, so I pulled the upper intake and valve covers, relashed valves and put everything back together. Historically, I've gone through this a few times without issue... until now.

During this downtime window, I also replaced my headlights (From HID --> stock) and I also installed a new dual-fan controller.

Engine turns over, but there is absolutely no sign that cylinders are firing.

I followed the ever reliable JRichker checklist and still no progress. I do however have a couple things I wanted to share with you in the hope it may jog my memory clear.

- I am getting spark from coil wire, but it did require that I hold the screwdriver closer to 1/8" rather than the recommended 3/8". Otherwise, I would not get spark. I've replaced my original coil with a quality aftermarket coil and this behavior is the same.
The spark at 1/8" was blue/purple.

*** I am wondering if there is anything I could have done (Headlights, fan, upper-intake) which results in a weak coil spark ???

I can smell unburned fuel ..

- fuel pressure gets to 39 when I turn over engine. when I stop turning it over, it quickly returns to 20lbs. Fuel filter less than 1000 miles usage and tank was thoroughly cleaned when Walbro 255lbs was installed.
- TPS=0.85v
- I reseated my MSD TFI distributor (#1 TDC. Pulled the SPOUT, no change)
- Red injector lead produces 12+ volts with key on.
- I disconnected/connected fuel lines. No apparent blockage
- I had a spare ECU and it made no difference.
- MAF plug firmly in place
- TPS connector firmly in place
- Salt & Pepper connectors are snug
- Battery in excess of 12v
- Soaked air filter with starter fluid, key on, held throttle body open, while turning over engine -- Nothing.

No idea or suggestion is stupid or simple. So, if you want to pitch out any ideas, I'm game. Hell, sometimes bad ideas can pull me out of the woods and allow me to look at problem from a different angle.


Any help would be appreciated.

-D

 

[gearheadboy]

First off it is not a fuel problem. You have fuel pressure enough to start it and if you smell it it is getting fuel. Now after all of this the crankcase probably has fuel in it as well. Before proceeding pull the dipstick, check the oil level. If it is overfull and smells like gas it has fuel in the oil and must be changed before proceeding. (ASK ME HOW I KNOW) Don't spray any starting fluid in the air filter EVER. In a vacuum line or throttle plate maybe but NEVER in the air filter. You are obviously getting a signal from the distributor or it would not have spark at all from the coil. Do you have spark from the plug end of the plug wire? (PS pull the fuel covered spark plugs and clean them) If you have a weak spark at the coil you probably need a coil or the coil needs grounded. If you get it to the cap but not out it could be a rotor or cap. It is a spark issue.

 

[DonMaximo]

Problem Solved !

As mentioned in my initial comments, headlights and dual-electric fan installed.

I tapped a key-on/hot line for the electric fan. Didn't realize it was the line going to the coil. So basically, I tapped into the YELLOW line going into the coil and connected to the relay which controls the fan. This evidently resulted in low voltage getting to coil and compromising spark.

Boom ! She fired right up.

I'll find a more suitable lead for the electric fan.

It's Beer:30 now.

-D