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Topic: Won't start

in Forum: C4 Engines


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Won't start (1/8)
 6/30/17 9:39am
Gonalot
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New London, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1989 C4 Medium Blue Metallic convertible


Joined: 6/28/2017
Posts: 2

I have a 1989 C4. The engine stopped suddenly 7 years ago. Being a mechanic for more than 50 years, I refused to take it to anyone else so I've tinkered each year when it's warm. There are no codes. I have replaced the plugs, wires, injectors, complete new distributor, fuel pressure diaphragm, EGR, computer and some of the sensors. The timing mark is aligned with the rotor pointing to the number one plug on the compression stroke. I replaced the MAF. Have placed numbers on the spark plug wires to ensure proper firing order. I have 40PSI fuel pressure. I checked the injector wires with a node. The engine has 133,000 miles on it. So I have spark, fuel, injector fire and timing alignment. I don't even get an attempt to start. The only thing I can think of is jumped timing?
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Re: Won't start (2/8)
 6/30/17 2:10pm
Hot Rod Roy
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Mission Viejo, CA - USA

Vette(s):
Yellow '84 Coupe


Joined: 3/18/2015
Posts: 74

Hint:  If you've been throwing parts at this car for seven years, don't brag about being a mechanic.   Sorry to be so direct.

No compression test yet?   Your noid test says you have a pulse to your injectors, but do they give you any fuel?  Have you checked the resistance of each injector?  Are your plugs wet or dry after you try to start the engine?  Does the engine try to start if you give it a shot of starter fluid (ether)?

Disapprove

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Re: Won't start (3/8)
 7/13/17 8:15am
Gonalot
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New London, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1989 C4 Medium Blue Metallic convertible


Joined: 6/28/2017
Posts: 2

I removed the MAF and squirted starting fluid into the intake manifold and the engine started. As I adjusted the timing and throttle, the exhaust pipes at the elbows turned red hot where they drop down and straighten out to go to the mufflers. By the time I noticed this, the car started on fire. With a great deal of stepping and fetching, I was able to put out the fire. However, the engine wiring harness, spark plub wires, top of the distributor and some of the fiberglass were destroyed. For now the car is on hold until I get it on the hoist and access the damage. Thanks for the help as it is the first time the car has run since July 2010.
Re: Won't start (4/8)
 7/13/17 9:06pm
Black Shark
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Vette(s):
Black 1979 L-82 Black 1996 LT1 Black 1999 Coupe


Joined: 3/20/2009
Posts: 611

damn...... ^^^ sorry to hear that. :(
Re: Won't start (5/8)
 4/16/18 4:27pm
Toprock
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Joined: 4/15/2018
Posts: 4

I purchased an 88 with 100.000 miles, drove it 300 miles and it ran great.  It set for a week, tried to start it up and it cranked but wouldn't start.  Changed fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel regulator, and still no fuel to fuel rail.  
Re: Won't start (6/8)
 4/18/18 2:41pm
bleeder
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MARYVILLE, TN - USA

Vette(s):
89 HATCHBACK,BLACK ON BLACK.STOCK


Joined: 11/29/2012
Posts: 2

replace the starter relay it is located behind battery.  Good luck but it fixed my 89.
Re: Won't start (7/8)
 4/18/18 6:33pm
Toprock
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Joined: 4/15/2018
Posts: 4

Thanks, however the starter cranks, but no fuel is going to fuel rail. The fuel rail is not energized ( no fuel comes out after schrader valve is depressed on rail)
Re: Won't start (8/8)
 4/23/18 10:18am
rtslt4
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Huntington Station, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1996 Black Cpe., Lt. Beige Int., LT4, 6 Spd., Corsa Exh., K & N, & Chrome Replc. Wheels.


Joined: 7/2/2013
Posts: 51

First, before you replace anymore parts, go back to the basics.  Hook up a fuel pressure gauge to make sure you do in fact have fuel pressure during starting.  Remember, the engine always needs 3 elements to run.  It needs air, fuel, & spark.  If you have the fuel pressure then check for spark.  I doubt you have an air intake problem because it's not likely you have a very dirty air filter, very dirty throttle body, or some large vacuum leak.  But if you've never checked, look at same.

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