i finally got a little break from constant BS and depression just enough to spend a few hours actually verifying a few things and redoing the timing and then by using a half can of brake clean i have gotten it to start and idle for a few seconds before i drop the tank again. it didnt knock so it probably had oil pressure since the aux gauge is currently pegged out to the high side for some reason... but more importantly it got power to a few things i never imagined it would. like the interior lights and power mirrors finally so its 90 percent functional now and i couldnt be happier....not happy enough to shell out 150 dollars on a select cable or push it into the garage and replace the fuel pump just yet though... if anyone has a spare functioning select cable for a reasonable price i may be interested now

Addressing the oil pressure gauge, if the sensor loses its ground, the gauge will peg. I had that problem with my 87. Do not use teflon tape on the sensor since it gets its ground through the base. Check ALL fuses. The Fiero has some funky circuits that combine with some unrelated functions.

Thought I could help you with the select cable but I must have already sold it. Sorry.

quote Originally posted by fierofool: Addressing the oil pressure gauge, if the sensor loses its ground, the gauge will peg. I had that problem with my 87. Do not use teflon tape on the sensor since it gets its ground through the base. Check ALL fuses. The Fiero has some funky circuits that combine with some unrelated functions. Thought I could help you with the select cable but I must have already sold it. Sorry.

hey any help at all makes my life a bit easier. a lost ground is pretty likely after repairing all the rat damage and replacing most of the harness.
i bet my negative cable straight up doesnt ground at all for the interior and the ground strap underneath is probably missing

made more progress, ive dropped the tank for the 5th time since i got it and apparantly i lost the new pump i bought a year ago.....at least it was only a trugrade
also uhh dont jack your car up like me ig? corvair rims make good jackstands at least
edit:awful picture and im cold and wet so im not gonna take another.

[This message has been edited by cartercarbaficionado (edited 11-03-2025).]