userpete1037

Okay, my car has been sitting for about 5 years now. It use to sit even before that but I had no problem starting it every now and then. Now it will not start. The engine is rotating and it even almost started when i sprayed some starter fluid in the intake. I also put some water remover in the tank to see if that would help but it didn't. I do know this for a fact, I'm not getting any spark or no fuel to the fuel rail. Since my car has been sitting so long could that make my fuel pump go bad? I'm quite sure the gas in the tank is no good. Could someone advise?

Brian R.

Fix the problem you know you have. Drain the gas and put good fuel in the tank. When you turn on the ignition, see if you can hear the pump by listening to the gas fill tube.

Your injectors may be gummed up.

If you are not getting spark, how could it almost start with the starting fluid? I bet it's a fuel problem and not an ignition one.

__________________
Forum Guidelines:http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/guidelines.html

"What we've got here is a failure to communicate"

Mike Gerber

I have to agree with Brian. Gas left in the tank untreated will start going bad in about 6 months. Treated means it has some sort of gasoline stabilizer added to the tank. I use Stabil in a car I store over the Winter. Normal treatment is 1 oz. to 2-1/2 gallons. That will keep the gas fresh for up to 1 year. Double that amount for 2 years. You are over 5 years. Drain the tank and add fresh fuel.

"it even almost started when i sprayed some starter fluid in the intake." Also, as Brian stated, this shows you are getting spark. It won't even sputter without some spark.

Mike

userpete1037

Why do I feel like I'm being scolded....LOL..Nah but seriously guys, thanks for the input and I will take your advice this time. I'm sort of busy so it may be a while before I can give an update but rest assured, I will. Again, thx for the valuable input.

jdmccright

Don't be surprised that when you finally get the car started that the tires have formed a permanent set or "flat-spotted" from sitting still for so long. Most noticeable when you first start going and steering straight, you'll feel the whole car bump as the tires roll over their flat spot simultaneously. Depending on the severity, new tires may be needed. You might be able to inflate them to max pressure to reduce the severity, but the flat spots will likely still be noticeable while driving.

Professional car storage will put the car up on stands to take the weight off the tires. A little late for your use now, but another tidbit of info if you decide to store the car again.

__________________
Current Garage:
NEW 2003 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L AWD
2003 GMC Envoy XL (aka "fat-a$$") - K&N air filter, otherwise stock.
1995 Chevrolet C2500 2wd, 5.7L - K&N air filter, otherwise stock...my weekend hauler.
1992 Toyota Camry LE 2.2L - K&N air filter.

Vehicle History:
2004 4.7L Dakota Quad Cab 4x4
1996 GMC Jimmy 4wd
1992 Chevrolet S10 Ext. Cab 4.3L
1995 Honda ST1100...my first (and only) new vehicle.
1980 Yamaha XS400
1980 Mercury Bobcat...my first car.

userpete1037

Hello People,

I'm back again. Okay, I drained all the gas out and put 5 gal of new fresh gas in the tank. Still couldn't get it to start although the fuel I let out was really weak. Anyway, I think I need a new ignition coil because I performed an ohm test on it by checking the primary resistance (.5ohm) and the secondary resistance which gave me no reading. Plus I'm getting no spark on the coil.

userpete1037

I replaced the ignition coil and still no luck. It almost caught on several times but that's because i sprayed starter fluid in the intake. I even poured some heet in the tank to see if that would help but it didn't. I'm at a loss. I guess having a weak battery doesn't have anything to do with it. The battery I currently have has to be jumped off. Still, I'm at a loss. Could it be my fuel pump?

jdmccright

1) Check the battery and alternator. Take them to the parts store for a load test. It won't start with a bad battery and won't stay running with a bad alt. Also, check all your ground points and cable connections for corrosion.

2) Check and clean the spark plugs, wires, rotor and cap for corrosion. Pull the plugs & check for oil fouling.

3) Check the fuel pump and fuel pressure.

4) Check/clean the Idle Air, PCV, and EGR valves.

5) Check and clean the fuel injectors (do the '89s have a cold start injector too?)

Questions on how to check the above can be answered best by referring to the Factory manuals stickied at the top of this forum. Hope this helps!

__________________
Current Garage:
NEW 2003 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L AWD
2003 GMC Envoy XL (aka "fat-a$$") - K&N air filter, otherwise stock.
1995 Chevrolet C2500 2wd, 5.7L - K&N air filter, otherwise stock...my weekend hauler.
1992 Toyota Camry LE 2.2L - K&N air filter.

Vehicle History:
2004 4.7L Dakota Quad Cab 4x4
1996 GMC Jimmy 4wd
1992 Chevrolet S10 Ext. Cab 4.3L
1995 Honda ST1100...my first (and only) new vehicle.
1980 Yamaha XS400
1980 Mercury Bobcat...my first car.

userpete1037

Thx for the response. I will use that checklist to diagnose my car. I do know this for sure, my battery is shot.

userpete1037

Just got some time to day to work on my car. Lowered the tank and checked out fuel pump and it was shot. Heavily correded on all parts. I have another fuel pump but for i install it, is there some type of solution i can pour in the tank and spray on the parts to get rid of the corrosion?

userpete1037

I installed the new pump and it worked like a charm. I guess the pump was my problem all along. A mechanic did tell me that if I let sit like that for over a year or so, it will go bad eventually because of the corrosion build-up. So thx everybody for your input and this ends this thread...............LOL