Cannot start engine

HFORDER

MEMBER
1984 PONTIAC FIERO
4 CYL
32,000 MILES

Will start with starter spray down the carburetor. There is a spray from the (new) fuel injector. New wires, new plugs, new ignition module. (Original injector blew fuses).
So with two people, one spraying the carburetor through and the other cranking the engine, can get it running.
Then shuts off.
Without starter spray, there is fuel injector spray. Lots, it seems. Could there be too much? Completely drained the gas tank and added premium fuel.

Any hints would help. Had this car for years and would like to get it running.
Update: I will mention: new coolant temperature sensor. I have original service manual and Chilton's if someone references a section for me to read up on.

1 Reply

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good afternoon.

From the sounds of it the gas is no good. Sitting for that long, the fuel separates. You will need to drop the fuel tank, flush it out, replace the pump and filter and flush the lines all the way to the injectors.

Roy

PROCEDURE:

REMOVE:

1. Remove the negative battery cable.
2. Disable the engine spark system to prevent accidental starting
- Have a dry chemical (Class B) fire extinguisher near the work area.
3. Remove the fuel from the tank.
4. Remove the fuel tank.
5. Remove the fuel gauge and pump unit.
6. Purge the fuel from the tank.
7. Remove the fuel filter.

INSPECTION:

- Inspect fuel filter for contamination.
- Replace the fuel filter, if it is plugged.

CLEAN:
Clean fuel lines, by applying air pressure in the opposite direction of the fuel flow.

INSTALL:

1. A new fuel strainer (if necessary) on the fuel sender and pump unit.
2. Install the fuel gauge and pump unit, with a new seal into the fuel tank.
NOTE: Care should be taken not to fold over or twist the strainer, when installing the sending unit, as this will restrict fuel flow.
3. Install fuel tank.

FLUSH: (FUEL INJECTED MODELS)

1. Disconnect the fuel feed line at the front of the vehicle.
2. Install a hose to the fuel feed line at the front of the vehicle and insert the other end of the hose into a 3.8L (One gallon) fuel can.
3. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Fill tank with twenty-three liters (six gallons) of clean fuel into the tank.
5. Energize the fuel pump relay, to operate the fuel pump, until two liters (one half gallons) of fuel flows into the fuel can. This will purge the fuel pump.
6. Reconnect the engine harness connector to the distributer.