My friend's '87 GT auto. will not start. It turns over, but will not fire. He has replaced the distributor cap and rotor, coil, and Ignition Control Module. I stopped over today to look at it for the first time, because he thought he might need to replace the fuel pump and I was going to help him install one. I could here the f-pump run when the key was turned on, and all the fuses looked good. I checked for spark at the plugs, but found no spark. Also the spark plugs are dry, as it may not be getting fuel also. Even after we tried turning it over several times. We decided to hold off on installing the f-pump, and focus on trying to get ignition spark first.
He said he drove the car to work one day, and when he was ready to go home at the end of the day, it would not start, so he had it towed home. This must have been several months ago, as I believe it has been sitting for a while, as he has been trying to figure out the problem.
Any ideas about what to check next with regards to the getting spark?
1. While cranking the starter, look at the tachometer. If it is moving up to 200 or 300 rpm the primary ignition is working. If it sits on the peg, the pickup coil, magnet, or ICM (even if it is new)...or the connectors and wires to those things....are bad.
2. if the primary ignition is working, use starter fluid while cranking the starter. If the car runs, you have a fuel delivery problem. If it still does not run, you have a secondary ignition problem...spark plugs. wires, or coil....
Before just replacing your fuel pump since it primes on ignition.. check the fuel pressure on prime at the rail first.. It should read anywhere from 37-42 lbs if it doesn't than your fuel pump is either weak/bad or the line is clogged.. You can pick up a fuel pressure tester from Harbor Freight for 20 bucks..
ICM problems also tend to happen suddenly like the situation described above.. if doing the checklist items above and still no luck...pull the cap and take a look at the ICM (the little white or once white round thing that looks like tape underneath the magnet) If it is torn or ripped in anyway or looks beyond functional I think you might have found your culprit..
youll have to pull the distributor to do so though but their is how to's on youtube by buddycraig
Yes, all fuses appear to be good. Will double check. Thanks Alan
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Originally posted by gmctyphoon1992:
(the little white or once white round thing that looks like tape underneath the magnet) If it is torn or ripped in anyway or looks beyond functional I think you might have found your culprit..
gmctyphoon1992, are you talking about the wires for the pickup coil?
[This message has been edited by hdryder (edited 09-03-2013).]
