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Engine cranks, but won't start *Might be solved*

zipper

zipper

New member
So here's the story. I swapped out my stock fuel pump for a used Racetronix pump and rewire kit. Got everything back together after changing all of the engine's fluids and idled it for awhile to make sure that everything was fine. That was good until my battery died and it didn't seem to be able to start the car even when jumped.

Long story short, the battery, alternator, crank position sensor, and the fuel pressure regulator were all replaced. After the fpr was replaced it seemed to run so I drove it around and made multiple stops. It was doing everything well where as before it would fire then die, and then not start at all.

So after the nice drive on Saturday, I start it yesterday and everything is normal and then all of a sudden the car died and it wouldn't start.

Could it be the ICM or the coils or has anyone else had this happen before?
 
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Re: Engine cranks, but won't start

It could be anything.

Start off with the easy tests. Does it have fuel to the rail with enough pressure? Does it have spark?
 
Re: Engine cranks, but won't start

Good point. I know the fuel rail has at least some pressure, but I'm not sure how much. I've been putting off buying a fuel pressure gauge but I think I'm going to have to just break down and buy one. Any recommendations on type and/or brand?

As far as spark goes, I checked the plugs and they look good, but I ripped a wire apart on one of the cylinders. I'll check for spark next.
 
Re: Engine cranks, but won't start

Take one wire off at the coil pack, have a friend crank it over. You should see the spark jumping.

After you do that test. Push down on the schrader valve for the fuel. A good spurt should occur. If it dribbles that's bad.
 
Re: Engine cranks, but won't start

I have pressed down on the schrader valve a few times and each time it's a good spurt but I haven't checked spark yet. I'll check that after work today.
 
Re: Engine cranks, but won't start

I'm not familiar with the racetronix rewire kit, but did you get a good ground for it?
 


Re: Engine cranks, but won't start

The Monte fired right up when I got home and installed the repaired spark plug wire. I let it warm up a little and then I revved it to about 2.5-2.7k, and then it died. Checked for spark and it had it. It is starting today, but it dies when I Rev it like that. Would a PCM tune for a stock fuel pump cause any issues by chance?
 
Re: Engine cranks, but won't start

Buddy had a similar problem. Car would start and run, but when he gave gas would die. Ended up being his racetronics pump tube in the bucket was not on all the way and it couldn't get enough fuel pressure. He just installed it.. He put the plastic corrugated tube in with no hose clamps and it popped off pump nozel. Still gave it enough to start but not enough when he gave it gas.
 
Re: Engine cranks, but won't start

Timboku, that's not the answer I want to hear, but you might be onto something. I'm going to check the fuel pressure the next chance I get this week.

I hate pulling that gas tank out. If I have to pull it out again, I'm cutting an access panel out in the trunk. Tired of that after doing it once.
 
Re: Engine cranks, but won't start

what year car you have? there is a panel in the trunk in most w bodys. iirc it was 05 and 06 that failed to have it.
 
Re: Engine cranks, but won't start

zipper said:
Timboku, that's not the answer I want to hear, but you might be onto something. I'm going to check the fuel pressure the next chance I get this week.

I hate pulling that gas tank out. If I have to pull it out again, I'm cutting an access panel out in the trunk. Tired of that after doing it once.
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Oh crap just forgot you are putting it in a gen 1 Monte with no panel. Ya check pressure, he had some gas coming out of the valve but not to much... his was in a grand prix with an access panel so we popped it up and checked and the tube was not on all the way, pushed it on and clamped it and no more issues.
 


Re: Engine cranks, but won't start

2nd Gen w-bodies have an access panel, but gen 1 and 1.5's don't. It sucks. I have a 98 Monte (5th gen Monte) and it's a 1.5 gen w-body. Thank you though for the heads up timboku, I'll start there now.
 
Re: Engine cranks, but won't start

Okay, I checked fuel pressure sooner than I thought. Key on, engine off it was 42psi. Engine on was 48psi and when it revved to about 3k rpm it was at 52psi. It did die today too.

Thoughts?
 
Re: Engine cranks, but won't start *Update*

Pressure seems good. When my icm was failing failing it would bog down over 3k rpm not sure if you have one to test. How bought the maf? Maybe unplug it see if it stays running?
 
Well I picked up an ICM with coils from an L67 in the junkyard today and replaced my stock ICM and coils with them. After I did that, the Monte ran for quite a bit and I never had any trouble with it even after going for a ride. I'm going to keep testing it and see if this is solved.

So far so good though.
 
zipper said:
Well I picked up an ICM with coils from an L67 in the junkyard today and replaced my stock ICM and coils with them. After I did that, the Monte ran for quite a bit and I never had any trouble with it even after going for a ride. I'm going to keep testing it and see if this is solved.

So far so good though.
Click to expand...
Yes!!!! Fingers crossed
 


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