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Topic: Won't start

in Forum: C4 Engines

Won't start

Posted: 6/30/17 6:39am Message 1 of 8
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New London, WI - USA
Joined: 6/28/2017
Posts: 2
Vette(s): 1989 C4 Medium Blue Metallic convertible
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

Posted: 6/30/17 11:10am Message 2 of 8
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Mission Viejo, CA - USA
Joined: 3/18/2015
Posts: 74
Vette(s): Yellow '84 Coupe
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)?

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Re: Won't start

Posted: 7/13/17 5:15am Message 3 of 8
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New London, WI - USA
Joined: 6/28/2017
Posts: 2
Vette(s): 1989 C4 Medium Blue Metallic convertible
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

Posted: 7/13/17 6:06pm Message 4 of 8
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Joined: 3/20/2009
Posts: 611
Vette(s): Black 1979 L-82 Black 1996 LT1 Black 1999 Coupe
damn...... ^^^ sorry to hear that. :(



Re: Won't start

Posted: 4/16/18 1:27pm Message 5 of 8
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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

Posted: 4/18/18 11:41am Message 6 of 8
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MARYVILLE, TN - USA
Joined: 11/29/2012
Posts: 2
Vette(s): 89 HATCHBACK,BLACK ON BLACK.STOCK
replace the starter relay it is located behind battery.  Good luck but it fixed my 89.


Re: Won't start

Posted: 4/18/18 3:33pm Message 7 of 8
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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

Posted: 4/23/18 7:18am Message 8 of 8
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Miller Place, NY - USA
Joined: 7/2/2013
Posts: 51
Vette(s): 1996 Black Cpe., Lt. Beige Int., LT4, 6 Spd., Corsa Exh., K & N, & Chrome Replc. Wheels.
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.


Rts-LT4

in Forum: C4 Engines


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