1986 Pontiac 6000 1986 Pontiac 6000 2.4L Will Not Turn Over

1986 PONTIAC 6000
201,085 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SF_ONENOTE
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Problem#1: The car is not getting fuel to/through the fuel injector. This has a rebuilt Buick 2.4L engine. 33,000 on rebuilt engine, the remainder mileage is the previous engine. The car, when starting/driving, was dying and would stop when idling in a parking lot at either a full stop/idle or while going 5 mph. This went on intermittently but later stopped. Then, the car would not turn over.

Physically, the car key would not turn in the tumbler enough to start the ignition firing. Since this happened, the following has been replaced: new steering column and ignition, fuel injector, and fuel pressure regulator. Right now, the car does have the ability to crank; however, the fuel is not being sprayed into the engine from the fuel injector. Nothing is coming out, before or after installing a new injector.

It has been determined that fuel is coming through the fuel line. I had the fuel line disconnected at the end which connects to the engine and fuel is coming out there. A mechanic friend "tested" the fuel pump by banging on the gas tank/fuel pump to see if it activated, and whatever he did - he said the pump was good and activating. You can hear it too when you turn the key before you fully turn it. Have had recommendations to test fuel pressure with gauge, or simply disconnect the fuel line at the fuel pump and see how fast the fuel comes out. Somewhere here, I saw someone had a similar problem and they replaced the fuel filter. I have not done this yet. I do not know how.

And, my books do not show me.
Jan 23, 2009 at 11:30 AM
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MERLIN2021
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fuel filter should be changed regularly, if too cloged, it can ruin the fuel pump. Test pump BOTH ways, if it's weak, you will have these symtoms.
Jan 23, 2009 at 3:21 PM
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SF_ONENOTE
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I got the fuel filter off. Tried to start the car again. Still no luck. I do not have fuel pressure gauges. Any tips on draining a gas tank, dropping it, and removing the fuel pump?
Jan 29, 2009 at 3:38 PM
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SF_ONENOTE
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Correction, the engine is a 2.5L not a 2.4L 4 Cylinder.
Jan 29, 2009 at 3:39 PM
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MERLIN2021
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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The ECM turns fuel pump on as long as ignition is on and the engine is cranking or running. The ECM will allow the pump to run as long as it receives reference pulses from distributor. If there are no reference pulses, the ECM will shut off the fuel pump within 2 seconds after key is in "ON" position.
Jan 31, 2009 at 5:45 AM
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