After replacing the head gaskets, getting the heads rebuilt, switching fuel injectors (with injectors from Ebay of unknown functionality), and replacing all of the gaskets on the top end of the engine on my 88 GT 2.8L v6, the car would not restart. After dropping the distributor back in, I've set and reset the timing numerous times. The car still won't start. It will crank and a few times it hit very weakly; rotating the distributor did nothing to improve the situation. I've pulled the plugs and they are wet with gasoline, and I had the wife crank the car and it has ignition. I do have a spare ignition module that I can put into the car. Someone mentioned the tach filter to another member with a non-starting motor. Would it keep the car from starting?

After trying to check engine codes and getting no flashes(yes, I replaced the bulb), I bought an ECM off of a member. I installed it and still no codes. Today while dodging rain, I decided to install my reverse glow gauges(yes Ebay) and I discovered that the PO had placed electrical tape over the Service Engine light. After putting it all back together, I read the computer codes and had a #52. Consulting the Haynes manual revealed 52 is for the "Fuel CALPAK." So, what's a fuel CALPAK?? I assume that it's part of the ECM as it tells me to check the Fuel CALPAK prom??? Could this situation be flooding the motor thus not allowing it to start?

Thanks for any help!

Regards,
Tom

Ok, apparently the fuel CALPAK is a prom/module located in the ECM that allows the car to go into "limp home" mode due to failure of the ECM-or something like that. I guess I'll start with swapping out the ECM with the spare I picked up. Then I'll recheck for error codes. If a code 52 reappears, I'll start tracing wiring to look for a shorted or open circuit.

Wow, I'm starting to think I'm talking(typing) to myself.

The calpak is the smaller chip two black chips. The larger is calibration module (prom, chip, etc.)

As you said, if the ECM fails, that chip can at least squirt fuel for the injectors. Since the ignition will loopback internally and fire the plugs, you just need fuel. The oil pressure backup switch will run the pump. If the ECM is running in backup off the calpak, it will run just good enough that it's ever so slightly better than walking.

When you get a calpak error it's because the ECM doesn't see it there or it sees the wrong one. You should have a 16044802 calpak. It's stamped on the top of the calpak. If that is right one, check that it's seated and there are no bent pins.

You should also have one of the eproms: APN, APP, APR, APS, FBA, FBB, HWT, HWU, HWW, HWX, AATC, AKYM, AKYN, AKYP, AKYR

If those are correct, no bent pins and they are seated then suspect the ECM but keep in mind that a bad ECM is very rare. They protect themselves very well.

TK

[This message has been edited by TK (edited 12-07-2005).]