Wont' run after installing decklid

[ccus944]

Hey gang,
I just installed a fiberglass decklid/ducktail on my 86 Carrera, now the car won't start...It turns over strong, but doesn't even act like it wants to start...I didn't disturb anything on the engine, except taking loose the condenser and resting it on top of the engine while I swapped the lids...There are two grounding straps that go to the top bolt on each of the hinges...I installed them the way they were on the original decklid...any ideas what could have happened, or if this fiberglass decklid has effected a ground loop of some sort? Any help is appreciated...Thanks, Cus

[Danny_Ocean]

The grounding straps are a European thing (radio interference?) and don't affect the electrical system. Re-installing them on a fiberglas decklid is like installing an ashtray on a motorcycle. Not needed.

Two things:

1) Coincidence. Something else totally un-related could have happened while you were doing your work.

2) As careful as you were, something got knocked loose. Check all wiring closely, especially anthing on/near the distributor and rear fusebox.

[ccus944]

I checked everything in the engine compartment...I can't find anything that got disturbed...I cleaned the contacts and replaced the 3 fuses there just to be sure they're ok...I had parked the car Tuesday, and it ran great when I parked it...
I did not start the car this morning before changing the deck lid this morning, so I cannot confirm that there was no problem before I began the project...I wanted to work on a cool engine compartment...I can only confirm that it ran excellent when I parked it on Tuesday. This car has never missed a start in 8 years, other than for a dead battery...It's turning over strong, but won't start...

[Danny_Ocean]

Well...you have to go back to the basics: Spark, fuel, air.

Car is cranking, but sounds like no spark. Test the coil/ignition system.

[dweymer]

coil grounding?

[ccus944]

I will have to check "the basics" in the morning...The only thing different, is I cut the wires to the engine compartment light because the fiberglass lid doesn't have a bracket for the light.
I don't think that would have anything to do with it, but that is the only thing different...other than the ducktail, chin spoiler, and euro H4's I put on it today before I realized it wouldn't start...it was a great day until then...

[Danny_Ocean]

With all that electrical work, any chance you shorted something (causing a fuse to blow)? Did you check all your fuses (front & rear)?

[ccus944]

I had it towed to my mechanic...initially, the fuel pump was not getting a signal...after troubleshooting and replacing a couple of sensors, the car will now start, but he says it's not running well. He will be working on it more tomorrow...I'm pretty puzzled how this car could be running excellent until parked for a few days, then goes into this state...any thoughts?

[Racerbvd]

Here are a few pix of Chris's car.

[Zeke]

Sounds to me like you laid the condensor on the motor while changing hoods. What possible
connections could you have come in contact with? Throttle Position sensor?

[john70t]

TPS, AirFlowMeter, or head temp sensor might be some possibilities.
Is there any change while wiggling the connectors? All vacuum connections are hooked up?