My 1986 2.8 L GT has been parked in my garage since 1989 and only has 37k miles on it. I replaced the fuel tank (with a 1988 tank, lots of work but worth the effort) and the fuel pump. I also replaced the fuel filter, changed the oil and filter, replaced the plugs, new wires, dist cap etc. but it will not start. It will crank over and fire but only run for a few seconds and stall. The fuel pressure is 40 psi and it does not display any codes other than the "12" code as expected. The service manual said to "remove the distributor bypass terminal and see if it runs. If so replace the pick up coil". When I removed the distributor connection it made no difference. It still only ran for a couple of seconds and stalled. There are no vacuum leaks and the battery is new and fully charged. Any ideas?

Sounds like your injectors are plugged up. The reason it starts for a few seconds then dies is that the cold start injector is squirting enough gas to start it up, but then shuts down (like it is supposed to).

You can get yours "rebuilt" or you can buy some already done to save time.

Welcome to the Forum!

You can test mrFiero's injector theory by having a helper spray some starting fluid in the throttle body. If the car continues to run beyond the usual time, it tells you that the injectors are not working.

edit: With any car used so little over the years, stuck injectors are a very common problem.

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 12-11-2013).]

Almost "for sure" the injectors are now stuck. been there done that, and I spent 6 months checking everything else imaginable first. (they Can be "professionally cleaned" for around $80-100