I read through Pele's no start thread in the archive but still hasn't solved my problem. The engine has excellent compression, it's got fuel and spark BUT IT STILL WON'T START. The only problem I can think of is a problem with the EMS computer but it has a base tune in it and this should at least be able to start the car...? Any suggestions?

 

Um, EMS computer causing it to not start? In an 81? Does it have ENOUGH fuel. Change your plugs anyway. Does it not crank? Some details would be great

 

check grounds on everything

how are your plugs?

 

check your ignitor modules.....
leads,
distributor cap,
coils...

its a long shot but hey, dont rule out anything...

 

im lost with the computer stuff but..

If its carbed, make sure your choke is working, other than that, try starting fluid.


I went through torture with my engine for 5 days straight and about 15hrs of tinkering, not counting reading hours on here...

I feel now that it was all a choke problem. I can go outside and crank for days on my engine with no coughing.......close the choke, starts up just fine. I still need to set my choke correctly. How I got it started in the first place was starting fluid....

 

Sorry should have added a few other details. '82, fuel injected yes with an EMS computer. It's getting plenty of fuel, you can almost choke on the cloud of fuel after cranking it. It cranks fine, but it just doesn't seem to catch. I could crank it all I like but it just doesn't start. To start off with I wasn't getting spark and the plugs were really wet. Replaced a fuse and they're fine now. Plugs are brand new. (This is on a new rebuild with 3mm seals so I'm guessing it might require a bit more cranking than usual)

 

Well, THAT is your problem. You fuel injected it, lol.

 

Well it's finally going . Before I sent it away somewhere I thought I'd have one last look. I had a feeling that the fuel had been contaminated so I took off the fuel tank and out comes fuel that looks like muddy water! At this point I'm all excited thinking I've finally solved the problem. Get the fuel tank back in and the fuel pump decides not to work.

Minor problem. It was only a bad ground connection, I was really worried that I was going to have to find another $400 for a new pump. Put new spark plugs in and then cranked it over. Wasn't expecting too much and was just about ready to give up. Using my screwdriver (temporary key) I cranked it over and amazingly it started almost straight away. I'm so happy. I think I'll leave the exhaust off for a while and annoy the neighbours.

Got a short vid if anyone wants to host it