1987 Delta 88 No Start Backfire

1987 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS

ROBUN

MEMBER
1 POST

I went to get gas, filled up, then pulled up to the front to go in to pay. When I came back out the Car wouldn't start. It will turn over like it is going to start but won't. It back fires through the trottle body. I have replaced the spark plugs and then was checking to see if they all fired. One in the back in the middle didn't fire. I took the ignition module to have it checked and it showed to be good. Had it checked on a computer and it shows no codes. Is this the timing or the Electronic control module? And is this worth fixing or is it time for a new car? :?
This is on a 1987 Delta 88
Thanks for your help!

Mar 6, 2006 at 12:08 PM

PEPPERMRJ

✓Experienced Mechanic
1,158 POSTS

[quote:04c0a99754="Robun"]I went to get gas, filled up, then pulled up to the front to go in to pay. When I came back out the Car wouldn't start. It will turn over like it is going to start but won't. It back fires through the trottle body. I have replaced the spark plugs and then was checking to see if they all fired. One in the back in the middle didn't fire. I took the ignition module to have it checked and it showed to be good. Had it checked on a computer and it shows no codes. Is this the timing or the Electronic control module? And is this worth fixing or is it time for a new car? :?
This is on a 1987 Delta 88
Thanks for your help![/quote:04c0a99754]

Depends on the cost of the repair and the overall mileage/condition of the car.

A good read. https://www.2carpros.com/first_things/car_cranks_but_wont_start.htm

Timing is not adjustable.
The computer would not just fire one plug.

A backfire thru the intake can be caused by a slipped/broke timing chain set, hung or burnt valve/s, leaky fuel injector, or an incorrect firing order.

Some things to check.
Have a compression test done.
Coil, their terminals, their connections, their mountings.Can you swap coils and see if the problem follows the coil.
Are the plugs wires run properly?
Are the plug wires good?
Crankshaft position sensor.
Camshaft position sensor.

It is never simple. :(

Good luck and let us know what you find. :)

Mar 7, 2006 at 3:49 AM

PEPPERMRJ

✓Experienced Mechanic
1,158 POSTS

Hey try the GM section. Might get a few more ideas/opinions. :idea:

Mar 7, 2006 at 3:50 AM

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Suggested Repair

Timing is not adjustable, and the computer would not fire only one plug. Have a compression test done and inspect the coils, terminals, connections, and mountings; swap coils to see if the dead plug follows a coil. Confirm plug-wire routing and condition, and check the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. Intake backfire can also come from a slipped or broken timing chain, a hung or burnt valve, a leaky injector, or an incorrect firing order. Whether repair is worthwhile depends on cost versus mileage and overall condition.

Conversation Summary

A 1987 Delta 88 cranks but will not start after a fuel stop and backfires through the throttle body. One rear-middle plug did not fire; the ignition module tested good and a scan showed no codes. The owner asked whether timing or the electronic control module was at fault and whether the car was worth fixing. The expert said timing is not adjustable and the computer would not fire only one plug, listed possible causes including a timing-chain problem, valve damage, a leaky injector, or wrong firing order, and recommended compression, coil, plug-wire, and crank/cam sensor checks, with repair value depending on cost and condition.

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1987 Delta 88 No Start Backfire

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