My 86 SE is not starting, First we thought it wasn't getting gas, so I changed fuel filter while also changing the fuel lines a couple times (it kept leaking so fuel is at least going through the fuel pump), I've put a new distributor with a new cap and ignition coil, new ignition wires and spark plugs, it started once before and ran but when I put it into drive it just died out and haven't gotten it started since, that was after changing the distribution and all that but before changing the fuel filter, at this point I'm all out of ideas
Edit: it is the 2.8 v6, automatic, my bad for making y'all guess ------------------ Zavier Myers
[This message has been edited by Stilltrack80011 (edited 10-18-2023).]
Yes, when I changed the spark plugs, ignition wires and distributor, the only problem we was having was the timing, but I got that figured out and it started running, but that was when I put it in drive and it just died out
Suggest getting a fuel pressure gauge and checking fuel pressure. The fuel pump is located in the gas tank, there is a rubber compression connector between the fuel pump and the hard line. They age and can split. This causes low pressure and if it gets bad enough will cause the car not to run.
Suggest getting a fuel pressure gauge and checking fuel pressure. The fuel pump is located in the gas tank, there is a rubber compression connector between the fuel pump and the hard line. They age and can split. This causes low pressure and if it gets bad enough will cause the car not to run.
When turning it on, the fuel pump does activate, but I've been slowly killing the battery and I don't have a charger at the moment, using it on a different car
...the only problem we was having was the timing, but I got that figured out and it started running, but that was when I put it in drive and it just died out
So you had the ALDL jumper in place while you used a timing light?
So you had the ALDL jumper in place while you used a timing light?
No, but during that time, when we was putting the distributor in my grandpa was helping me with it and he rebuilt the engine beforehand, told me that as long as it was very close, it would start and run, run bad but it would run
If you hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds when you first turn on the key, then we will assume the fuel system is working. Do you have a timing light to verify the ignition system is working?
After replacing the Distributer you have to get it close. Find TDC and adjust the distributer so spark plug one is pointed to the number one plug on the distributer. That should get you close enough so the car will run then you can use the timing light to get it set correctly after its running with the jumper in place. Finding TDC is the trick. You can pull the valve covers and watch the intake valve and verify the timing mark is correct. Pull the spark plug and use a soft rod and slowly rotate the crank until you know you are at TDC
Setting your initial timing will get you in the ball park until you can get it running and timed correctly. Balancer marks can shift that is why its important to verify TDC and not just trust the mark on the balancer.
That is incorrect... which is why it ticks me off when people state they have an SE and expect us to know what engine they have. It's not a GT. It's not a Formula.
Pull the spark plug and use a soft rod and slowly rotate the crank until you know you are at TDC
The piston is also at TDC on the exhaust stroke...
I pull spark plug #1 and stick my finger in there as I manually turn engine with ratchet/socket. When I feel the pressure building, I bring the timing mark up to 10* on the pointer. Reinstall plug. (you could use a compression tester if you have one)
Then I remove distributor cap to make sure the rotor is pointing to #1 plug wire and they are in correct order 1-2-3-4-5-6
Why not do it properly? All you need is a paper clip... and a timing light of course.
Just make sure it not like these. Results may vary.... Hint... plastic coated.
------------------ "Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut
[This message has been edited by Spoon (edited 10-23-2023).]
It's not a GT. It's not a Formula.
