Turns over but will not start... Help a new Fiero owner out... (Page 1/2)
robmorais NOV 12, 06:39 PM
I just picked up an 86 with the 2.8 and manual trans. I need some help getting this thing running... The car turns over but will not run... Here is what I have done or checked...

1. Spark to the plugs (really just checked one of them)
2. There was zero fuel pressure at the valve so I changed out the fuel pump and sending unit.
3. the ECM, Distributor Cap and Rotor were changed by the previous owner just before I got it and I had the ECM tested it was fine on 3 tests...
4. Fuel Filter changed.
5. Coil tested with volt meter

It will turn over but will not run. When I pump the gas it makes a "popping" sounds.

I really need some help... What am I missing? What could it be?

Thanks,
Rob

------------------
Robert Morais

Gall757 NOV 12, 08:07 PM
Welcome to the forum!

Do you know the history of the car? The popping sounds suggest that it is getting both fuel and spark, but not when it does any good. There could be a timing issue as well as a few other problems...the first thing to check is if the spark plug wires are in the right place. Has it run since the parts were replaced?
robmorais NOV 12, 08:27 PM
The wires are in the right place on the Dist cap 1-6 according to the diagram I found on line. Is there an easy way to check the timing? I am not sure when the car stopped running but I believe it was after the cap/rotor were replaced. - but i am not sure...

Thanks,
Rob

------------------
Robert Morais

[This message has been edited by robmorais (edited 11-12-2020).]

fierosound NOV 12, 08:48 PM

quote
Originally posted by robmorais:

The wires are in the right place on the Dist cap 1-6 according to the diagram I found on line. Is there an easy way to check the timing? I am not sure when the car stopped running but I believe it was after the cap/rotor were replaced. - but i am not sure...




Sounds like the timing was messed up during the "tuneup".

You have to get cylinder #1 to TDC and see if timing mark lines up.
Then check that rotor is pointing to correct cylinder #1 spark plug wire.

Also, fuel pressure should be 42 psi at "Key On"...


.------------------
My World of Wheels Winners (Click on links below)

3.4L Supercharged 87 GT and Super Duty 4 Indy #163

[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 11-17-2020).]

Doug85GT NOV 12, 10:33 PM
Check the fuel pump relay. A quick check is to switch out the connector with the one next to it. Make sure you put a piece of tape or mark the connector so you don't forget which is which.

robmorais NOV 12, 11:35 PM
When i turn the key i can hear the relay click, and when i did a pressure test the fuel using the Schrader valve it tested at 42.
Thanks,
Rob
Mike in Sydney NOV 13, 12:02 AM
Check this site. https://www.wc-autoparts.co...-6-cylinder-engines/ It has the firing order and the spark plug location as well as where the number 1 plug lead is located on the distributor when the timing is set correctly. Cylinders 1, 3, & 5 are located closest to the trunk compartment. The transmission will be on your left.

------------------
Mike in Sydney

robmorais NOV 17, 03:38 PM
Sorry for the newbie question... but... The spark plug wires are in the right places. When I tried to start it using starter fluid squirted into the intake it backfired and lit the fluid on fire! That was fun!

Can I check the timing without having to remove the timing chain cover etc... any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Rob
Patrick NOV 17, 03:58 PM

quote
Originally posted by robmorais:

Can I check the timing without having to remove the timing chain cover etc...



Checking/changing the ignition timing has nothing to do with the timing chain. It has to do with rotation of the distributor body in relation to the rotor.

You also need to buy or borrow a timing light.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 11-17-2020).]

Gall757 NOV 17, 05:01 PM

quote
Originally posted by robmorais:

That was fun!




That tells you that the spark happened before the intake valve closed....way too soon to be useful. It's possible that the rotor is not on the shaft right.....pointing backwards.

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 11-17-2020).]