The car does not run-it's not the computer(like my boyfriend thought)-Is there anyone that can give us some other idea's on where to look. It does have engine compression, it has spark but no noid. He's getting mad at the car, enought to just give up & sell it-but I know we won't get much for it in the condition it's in right now. Thanks in advance

 

Does it not start, or does it run with a bad idle or somthing? Howbout fuel or starter-motor?
What condition is the car in, or is the fact that its not running the condition?

 

It just doesn't start-I know he bypassed something(I believe the ECU) & got it started for a second. I have to double check with him what all he has checked-Thanks

 

I just got an 86 GXl started that hadnt run in 4 years. Start basics. Plugs, wires, then I blew out the fuel lines with a compressor(got out alot of gunk), look at the injectors and blow through each one to make sure that they all flow and check each grommet and o-ring and cap(all can be replaced from stuff bought from lows, if there is a minor crack in the cap get some type of glue compound for a temp. fix). Then if you can get it fired, take some carb cleaner or something and shoot it into the direction of the vac lines and where the two manifolds meet. If there is surges, then some of those lines are cracked, or there is a space allowing air to get into the engine between thte manifolds.
If there is nothing, then fire it up(may take several tries) and take out the 1st top spark plug to check for a blown rotor(if blown you will not see any metal, or metal then a gap, then metal) then do the same check on the second top spark plug.

 

I guess there's a ground missing to the injectors-fuel is not getting to the car. We already tried a different ECU(which didn't work)-what else controls the fuel? Thanks everyone for the help

 

how long has it sat? is the fuel good? is the fuel pump functioning? (All these can be checked by looking under the carpet in the back)

If the afm attached to the pipe? A lot of people don't do this and wonder.

Make sure plug wires are in right order ie (L1 bottom front, L2 bottom rear, T1 top front, t2 top rear).

Make sure (w/ screw driver you are getting spark to the end of each wire.)

Try these things with ecu fuse unplugged to not flood and maybe deflood if it is flooded.

Plug ecu fuse in and try, maybe use starter fluid.

 

You could try the AFM to see if it is stuck.
Remove the air cleaner cover (many SS screws!) and the filter. Shine a light in the bottom, where the square exit tube is. You will see an aluminum flapper (closed), which often has white crud jamming it up.
Poke it gently, and it should rotate away from you. If not, spray and clean.
The engine vacuum has to pull this flapper open, so if the engine was flooded and has no vacuum, you can see why 'no start'!
I have stuffed a screwdriver in there to hold it open while a helper cranked the engine.
At least this will eliminate one potential problem area.
Dave

 

could it be that the car is flooded?.. suggest to search the forum and get the "deflooding procedure..you say you have spark..and if you smell gas..you know you have that!..so in my opinion it could be as easy as that..it's worth a shot..and by the way the EGI fuse is the second fuse towards the engine on the inside of the engine bay..you should check that too..