car cranks really well but does not start

[alancitooo]

any sugestions?

[plumb4u2]

not to be a smart ass but how can anybody help when we don't know what kind of car you have?

If you have a 3.2 try DME relay, but with NO info that's a guess

[Drisump]

You have to give us much more than that...we don't even know what you have. Fuel pump, DME relay, or an ignition coil amongst a great number of other things, could be at fault.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Can't diagnose with limited info, but I can recommend a great shop in WLA.

[DRACO A5OG]

his garage say 79 slant, if oem engine then it would be your fuel pump. do you smell fuel at the exhaust tip when you try to start her? if not, then it is your pump.

2nd culprit ignition coil check for sparks at spark plug connector while helper cranks.

[James Brown]

tow truck, credit card

[OsoMoore]

You need air, gas, and spark. Checking for spark is easy - just pull a plug, ground the plug body to the car w/ a jumper cable, and have a friend crank. Should be bright blue. I'd start there and report back on the result.

And more info please!

[alancitooo]

sorry guys its a 79 aftermarketslant SC 3.0L engine i havent attempted to look at it further but will try some things and get back to you guys ASAP thanks guys

[manbridge 74]

..... and some decent compression is also needed.

[zippy_gg]

Has the car been sitting for a while?
Do you have fresh gas? With Sta-bil?
Did this just happen or was the car not starting before?

[matt gineo]

HaHa had the same problem last week, checked fuel pump relay, fuse etc. all OK. Fuel gauge said I had about 1/8 tank but it was actually out of gas. Check your fuel level first!

[alancitooo]

yeah it was sitting for a while im going to replace the FP Relay and ignition coil then if that fails im going to replace the fuel pump and filter

[James Brown]

well, can you do a little troubleshooting first? could get expensive if all them parts don't fix the problem.

[manbridge 74]

First off, get a Haynes manual (at least) to determine how your car works.

Then, get a can of starting fluid (just a burst) to check for fuel delivery after you determine you have spark.

If you've more money than time get it to ye olde shoppe.

[timmy2]

Why get a Haynes manual, is he jacking the car and needs a cushion between the jack and the bottom of the engine?

Get 101 projects and a Bently if you want to actually do anything.

Do you have spark?
Can you hear the pump run ?
Basic troubleshooting requires an analytical, methodical approach. Just throwing money (Parts) at it will eventually work, maybe...

[manbridge 74]

Ha ha. Well if one needs basic info and doesn't want to wait/spend money they can generally find a Haynes at the local library.

All one really needs is the ability to ask the right questions of members here. Then follow basic suggestions, ask more questions, repeat, etc.

[alancitooo]

well i checked the ignition coil spark plugs and i smell fuel.all functioning, Any other tips?

[James Brown]

pull them plugs out and clean them, then try a little starter fluid when cranking it

[boyt911sc]

Originally Posted by alancitooo

yeah it was sitting for a while im going to replace the FP Relay and ignition coil then if that fails im going to replace the fuel pump and filter

Alan,

Do not replace/buy parts unless they are verified and confirmed to be defective. Aside from the CDI (electronic), the rest of the CIS components in your car could be bench tested by DIY'ers like you or me. Substituting part/s for troubleshooting is a very expensive way to fix your problem/s.

It is mandatory to have a fuel pressure gauge kit in troubleshooting a fuel injection engine regardless whether it is CIS (Ketronic), Motronic, etc. Without this fuel pressure gauge you'll be doing a lot of guess-work. Even the experienced troubleshooters would have to use this tool for effective diagnosis.

After you replaced the FP relay, FP, and fuel filter, and the car still does not run well, what do you do next? Replace more parts? Keep us posted.

Tony

[emac]

Positive CDI box
Ernie 81sc