1996 Buick Roadmaster Distributor/Fuel issue

1996 BUICK ROADMASTER
103,000 MILES • V8 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ROADMASTER151
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Car will not start:

we're getting some spark and we are definitely getting fuel from the tank. Spray ether got the car started for a few seconds and then it conked out again. the repair place quoted us $1100 for repair--distributor cap, coil and water pump. Note: there was a coil wire that had broken inside the distributor socket which i cleaned out...spark is shooting from this area. we then hooked up a spark plug and set it near a bolt...we could see spark there as well. it seems to be getting fuel...the pump is running and it was shooting fuel from the filter too.

Is it possible to have too low of a spark to start and keep the engine running? Can a distributor get corroded and still spark but not have enough juice to start? What other options can i try to pinpoint the main issue? I am at a loss here. Thanks.
May 8, 2008 at 4:48 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:
Yes, the distributor cap can get corroded and cause a weak spark preventing the vehicle from running correctly or not at all. Also, it could be crank or cam sensor. The price quoted does seem a little high. What all are they replacing?

Joe
Nov 17, 2008 at 10:36 AM