1989 Chevy Camaro Hard to Start

Tiny
TTOPCAMARO
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 CHEVROLET CAMARO
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 173,000 MILES
1989 Chevy Camaro RS 305 TBI, 5-speed, 173k miles.
The engine cranks but won't start. I checked fuel pressure at the fuel filter, there was none. After beating on the gas tank with a hammer the pump worked. I replaced the fuel pump, pump filter, checked the pump wiring, (continuity and connectors all good), cleaned the tank out, replaced fuel filter. Tested the pump, it works, overhauled throttle body last month, both injectors spray well. Pressure at throttle body confirmed. I can get the car started but it runs really rough, and won't idle. It feels like its running on 6 or 7 cylinders rather than 8. Load tested battery, it's good, tested alternator, also good. Tested spark at coil, good. Replaced cap, rotor, plugs and wires (8mm wires, autolite plugs gaped at 35 thou). When it cranks it gets "hung up" as if it is being physically stopped. Upon releasing the key there is a puff of smoke/gas that comes out the throttle body. If I hold the throttle to the floor and prime the intake with gas I can get it going but it won't idle, must keep on the throttle to keep it running. I've checked and double checked fireing order, also adjusted the timing while its running to get it to the best possible running position. There is no check engine light and no codes. I did notice the IAC valve "clicking" when the car is "on" and not running. Any thoughts would be very helpful.
Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 AT 1:28 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi ttopcamaro, welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

Recheck the fuel pressure if its within specs if okay clean out the idle air condtrol valve and EGR and PCV valves and test the throttle position and manifold absolute pressure sensors-
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
TTOPCAMARO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Fuel pressure checks out, 13psi. IAC, PCV and EGR cleaned out and functioning. TPS and MAP work.

This last week I checked timing chain for alignment, I thought that one of the gear teeth might have been broken or bent but the gears appear good. The chain was tight on one side and loose on the other, I replaced the chain. Now the tension is more even. I tested the ignition control module, it's good. I tested continuity on the coil but didn't have the ability to load test. Continuity checked out ok but I replace it anyways, thought it might be an intermittent failure. I pulled the distributor to check gear cogs and alignment with cam since I had the timing cover off anyways, all looks good. I put it all back together and and tried to start. Now the car cranks over just fine but after about 2 turn overs it shoots a fire ball out of the throttle body.

My thought is it may be a bent rod or valve that is getting stuck. When stuck in the open position it cranks well but shoots the combustion mixture back out the intake, and when stuck in the closed position it get's "hung up" when cranking.

I'll pull the valve covers tonight and investigate further. Any thoughts? Thanks for your help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, November 5th, 2010 AT 11:55 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Double check the valve timing-put no.1 piston on its compression stroke/TDC, line the cam and crankshaft sprockets to its marks-line the damper/pulley to 0/TDC makes sure the valves are closed on the no.1 cylinder and rotor pointing directly under the no.1 cap tower if all is set-fire up and time the ignition
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Friday, November 5th, 2010 AT 1:51 PM
Tiny
TTOPCAMARO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I moved #1 cylinder to TDC, cam and crank are lined up, and verified valves are closed and distributor is pointing to #1 firing position. Trying to start the engine still results in a fireball out of the intake. I treid several positions of the disrtibutor but got the same result.

I checked all the push rods to see if maybe there was a bent rod but they are all straight. I thought that a valve might be bent/broken or not seating correctly so I pulled the heads. All the valves appear to be seated correctly, not bent or broken. Any other ideas of what to check for while I got the heads off? Thanks.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, November 15th, 2010 AT 7:56 PM
Tiny
XRAD48
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi I was wanting to know if you ever figured out what was wrong with your car? My car is doing the same things that you have described.

Thank you
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, January 20th, 2015 AT 5:01 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links