i've checked for vac leaks, checked compression, checked afm. basically my car just won't start. any ideas? its an 87 turbo with a s5 turbo 3 inch exhaust and 3 inch tid. no emmisions either.

 

Check the basics:

1. Check for Spark
2. Check for fuel
3. You already checked compression

Gotta have all 3 to fire.

 

how do i check for fuel?

 

First try removing the Trailing Coil wire and try starting, if it doesnt start proceed to the bottom, if it does get back to me.

SuperStock is your car a manual? If you did the compression test i am presuming that your starter is working fine and cranks the motor over fine. Place your your timing light to each individual spark plug wire and make sure they all register a steady strobe. Also if you want pull one plug at a time leave it connected to the wire and crank the motor with the spark plug near your strut tower to ground the plug prongs to the mounting bolts of the struts...If they all show one by one a real strong spark then its not ignition. Also check if your engine is set at the correct timing.

 

There is probably a cleaner/safer way, but I loosed the hose from the fuel rail and had a helper turn the key forward, gas will immediately leak out if its working.

 

An even easier way to check for fuel is to squirt some starter fluid down the intake. Odds are if you ain't getting fuel, the starter fluid will get it running for a second or two. This assumes you got spark and compression.

 

If your confident on your electrical skills, Wire up a remote wire and direct hot wire to your fuel pump. That way you have to flip a switch to activate and the ignition has to be turned on to work, as soon as you turn the key to off the fuel pump turns off..***PRECAUTION leaving your car off and ignition on will keep the PUMP RUNNING which is not SAFE***

 

alright the car has a fuel cut switch and its not just flooded, thanks for the ideas tho. i just removed and cleaned the pugs and also hecked the compression so were all good there. i need to check for spark and i should have fuel because i can smel when i crank her over but she doesn't fire. one question tho. i f i pulled the plugs and there were all gummed up can i just brush it of or do i need to get new ones?

 

if iwere you I would just go ahead and buy new plugs I just recently bought my 7 and went through all the same trouble shooting just to find out it was the plugs. I tried cleaning the old ones but new ones are just so much better

 

so i'm going to get new plugs, and i'll get back to you guys soon on the details. i'm so pissed i just wann drive my baby!!!

 

alright new plugs didn't help what should i check for next?

 

any other ideas

 

It might sound stupid, but maybe its just bad flooded...

 

that fuel cut swich does not help? ok start to crank it, swich on, then when it kicks turn it off untill it fires up, then flip the swich back to ON you have to play with it, i did the same thing to my N/A i had flood probs, i have to get my fuel injectors cleaned when i rebuild it

 

How would this help?

A timing light should never be used to check for spark. Many timing lights don't fire reliably on these engines, so they can give erroneous indications. A spark tester is the proper tool to use, available at any auto parts store.

He'll have a really hard time doing that if the engine doesn't start.

NO, no no! This is fundamentally unsafe. The stock ECU (and every aftermarket fuel injection) will SHUT OFF the fuel pump if the engine is no longer running (ie. in the event of an accident). If this feature is disabled, then it is possible for the fuel pump to continually pump HIGH PRESSURE GASOLINE in the event of an accident, thus seriously increasing the risk of fire.

If you want to test the fuel pump, simply temporarily jump the fuel pump test connector. This is located on the passenger shock tower. It has a yellow plug. Just use a jumper cable, then turn the key to "IGN". If the fuel pump runs, then it can be considered working. Remove the jumper when you are finished testing.

To the original poster, check for:

1. Spark. I described the testing procedures
2. If you have spark, pull the plugs. Are they wet with fuel? If not, does the pump run when you jumper the test connector? Does the car run with the test connector in place?
3. Compression. If spark and fuel check out, you could have low compression. Could be the result of flooding, so follow standard anti-flood procedures.

 

thanks aaron!

 

yeah thank god he posted, how the hell does he know evreything, he like the rotary hero's sidekick, Icemark being the hero :p