Frustrated.. Engine wont start.. Need help

[ixxified]

Folks,

I need some advice on how to proceed..

My setup :

Car is a 1976 Carrera 3.o (11/1975). Redone paint, upholstery and all seals. Engine ran perfectly well and strong at that time. For some reason the fuel pump is running whenever power is on.

While the engine was out, I've replaced all hoses (fuel lines, vacuum, oil lines), new injectors, new battery.

Then the engine came back in. Connected all lines, but it didnt start. Whatever I did on the list, I tried to start - it cranked but nothing happened.

- spark plugs checked (checked #4 and #5, spark can be seen), distributor was not out but replaced the ignition cables.

- fuel arrives at the fuel distributor (opened one of the screws)

- the fuel accumulator (2 Port) was leaking and then I've realised that there is another hose (on top of the main fuel line that goes to the fuel distributor. So I've replaced the fuel accumulator with a 3port one and connected all lines.

- tried to change the ignition timing, no results

- tried to change the CO settings (thought that due to new vacuum lines the system might be different now), no results.

Here is the thing: there are a few things that might influence running or not at the same time. Dont know where to start. May be I am even missing something that I should try.

So if there is a one-by-one list that I could check off? Any more advice?

[DRACO A5OG]

Have you doubled check your transmission ground?

Get an old spark plug, place in wire and rig up a wire to block to ground it and have a helper crank the car, watch for spark.

Next when you cranks do you smell un-burnt fuel?

[ixxified]

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, I do get a spark (checked 2 of the cylinders, no 4 and 5 - both have sparks

Yes, I do smell unburnt fuel

I will go and double-check ground.

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

Have you doubled check your transmission ground?

Get an old spark plug, place in wire and rig up a wire to block to ground it and have a helper crank the car, watch for spark.

Next when you cranks do you smell un-burnt fuel?

[DRACO A5OG]

Try some starter fluid to ignite those cylinders.

What is the color of those sparks? Orange or Purple? What is the voltage reading of the new battery?

Un-burnt fuel, good pump is working.

[T77911S]

verify firing order.
remove them all if you have to and put them back on one at a time.
make sure you have lactated #1 on cap.

for some dumb reason more than once when doing valves I have gone to #5 thinking it was #4.

could be weak spark as suggested.

try lifting up on the sensor plate when cranking.

[997at]

Take a step wise approach to looking at the basics.
Verify timing is set correctly - do this by cranking the engine with the distributor vacuum lines off and plugged.
Ensure your air sensor plate is set at the correct level - should rest at the bottom of the venturi (search will show pics).
Check for good spark - I recently had this issue. See comments below.
Check fuel delivery and ensure air/fuel mixture is appropriate for basic startup - Pull out an injector, run the fuel pump, and set the afm screw just to the point where the injector starts to mist, then turn counter clockwise 180 degrees.
Ensure no large air leaks.

I recently rebuilt my CIS and couldn't get the car to start. Cranked like crazy, verified timing, no leaks, etc. I was also getting spark...it looked okay bit I wasn't convinced that the spark was strong enough. I changed out for a new coil and she started at first crank. Lesson learned...a visual spark is not always a good indicator.

[gomezoneill]

One possible reason the pump is running the air sensor plate switch could be disconnected. Lot's of times the sensor plug and the cold start valve plugs get switched because they're both blue and near the same location. If they're switched the cold start valve wont work and the fuel pump will run all the time when the ignition is on. Could be a bad/stuck fuel pump relay.