Just will not start

LAURAD4

MEMBER
1995 CHEVROLET CAPRICE

He has not been able to start it for a week. We checked the battery and it was bad so we replaced it. Still won't start. He changed the fuel filter which did not help. We thought maybe it was the fuel pump but when he checked the value by the fuel injectors there was gas there. It cranks like it wants to start but will not fire up. It sounds like the starter is okay. He has little money to have it checked and I am 70 miles away and really don't have funds to help either. He needs to get it running by Sat or they are going to tow it. Any suggestions would really be appreciated

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

We need to do a couple things. First we need to confirm what the fuel pressure is and not that there is just fuel at the rail.

Here is a guide that helps with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

If it acts like it wants to start but doesn't then that points to a fuel or spark issue.

So confirming the pressure is the first thing.

Next would be spark. Here is a guide that talks about all this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Lastly we need to check the spark by removing the plugs and holding it against the block and cranking the engine.

This could be a timing issue but this is all controlled through the PCM so even if it is, there is not adjustment.

However, if we have fuel and spark then we need to look at timing and go from there.

Please let us know what questions you have and we can work through this.

Thanks

Image (Click to make bigger)