My 88 vert was flooded and sitting for over a month and today i finally did the ATF trick and pulled the ECU fuse. I finally got it to start sorta BUT it only revs up to about 2k rpms and cuts out in a second or less. It easily starts again (for less than a second) every time i turn it over. When i spray starting fluid in the intake it runs for a couple of seconds at high rpms then cuts out again which makes me think it's getting no fuel. Any suggestions? Could i have blown a fuel pump fuse or burned out the fuel pump? Help me before i put a pipe bomb under the hood and put it out of my misery.
Thanks,
Shane

 

Check to see if the air flow meter is plugged in, and check for any air leaks between it and the throttle body.

 

Don't know for sure about your model, but on a 86-88 there is a fuel *check connector*. This connector, if you get a piece of wire, and jumper between the two sockets that it has, WILL turn your fuel pump on if the key is in the ON position. Its yellow in color, maybe covered with a black piece of rubber, two sockets. Its located near your boost/pressure sensor which is near the front side of the right hand strut tower. Put a jumper between the two sockets, turn the key to on and listen for the sound of the fuel pump running. If you have to, take the fuel cap off and put your ear to it to see if you hear the pump.

The fuel pump works by three methods. One is if the key is HELD to the START position. The second is if the engine starts and a micro switch in the afm MAKES by the cone moving and closing the switch. The third is the jumper method. The jumper method bypasses the afm, eliminating it as a source of trouble.

If the pump is heard to be running, try starting the car. If it still does not keep running, look for some LARGE air intake leak. Leave a half inch size hose off???

It does indeed sound like a fuel starvation problem, what with using starter fluid and it running momentarily like that. P.S Don't keep the engine running by spraying the starter fluid continuously into the intake. It will cause detonation, pinging etc. Bad stuff. To spray and get the engine to show signs of life is just fine. Not continuous spraying to run for minutes just on starter fluid. I do use it myself and recommend it to find out if you have a fuel or electrical problem. Gets you in the ball park. Write back and let us know if it was the fuel pump.

 

Well after sitting all night after the ATF trick it starts and runs perfect. Go figure. I did the "check connector" thing and then started it. I should have tried to start it before i jumped the "check connector" to see if it was working but i'm still in a slight daze from partying till 10:30 am.Thanks for the replies.
Shane