86 Monte Carlo(Frankenstein) won't start

Ok, here's the problem... i got this as a mechanic's special - been running fine for a few years, now it up and died. It has a 350 TPI engine, ealry 90's? (I have no idea what it really is) and the computer to run it. The computer is a generic type of computer used in differnt makes/models.

The engine turns over fine, but won't fire up. If I spray starter fluid in the air intake the car will start for all of a brief few seconds while it consumes the starting fluid,(runs beautifully, when it starts for the few seconds) then resumes its favorite position... not starting. I've replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, the fuel pump relay is fine. The fuel injectors have 12v to them ... just not pulsing(?). Replaced the computer, and so now i believe i'm down to the VATS.

I'm assumming that since the computerized engine was put into a non-computerized body, that the VATS had to be bypassed. OK, so i found what i believe to be the bypass module and it is corroded, prolly from a leak or what ever, so i'm assuming that is a very good possibility why the car won't start. So if it's the problem or not, I don't know for certain but I'm running out of options.

the module contains a 3x5 green board with lots of components on it, and 6 wires connecting 1)12v constant 2)2.5v constant 3) & 4).02v in on position 5)5v in on position 6)12v in on position. IF a pic is needed i'll see what i can do.

I'm taking a stab and saying this is the bypass module because of the 5v... how this thing works exactly i have no idea so i could be wrong in assuming its the bypass ...don't know...

I'm not completely car savy, so if i've left out some information, or need to garner more I'll see what I can do. I'm at my wits end with this thing... it may soon become a target down range... Many thanks ahead of time for any help offered.

Burner,

Your description does sound as it might be a VATS issue. Since you have a separate VATS module, I'm guessing you have the older (pre-1990) ECM, a 1227165, correct? That would include a MAF sensor in the intake ductwork instead of a MAP sensor on the intake plenum. There is no way to simply jumper the VATS module to get the engine to run. The signal required by the ECM to enable the injectors is not simply a 5VDC supply, but a 5V P-P square wave with a 50% duty cycle at about 30 Hz. Since the engine does crank, it seems that either the VATS is recognizing whatever resistance is in the key circuit, or someone has jumpered the start enable relay.

You have a few options to solve this problem: Reprogram the PROM/CALPAK to eliminate VATS. That is nto difficult with the correct equipment; Connect the proper resistance to the VATS key circuit and allow the VATS to signal the ECM; Install the necessary wiring and lock cylinder to allow use of a VATS ignition key, and have a fully functional VATS system
This guide may help you diagnose the no-start. Make sure the SECURITY lamp is working, as it will be a clue as to what the VATS system is doing.

http://72.19.213.157/files/VATSSystem.html

Blue

Thanks for the info. I had my suspicion that my VATS module/ECM ran along those lines... The http you sent has alot of good info, I'll go over it and see if I can figure something form there. If not, the whole reprograming the VROM sounds good to me, that way the VATS is no longer an issue...ever... lol. Many thanks again! If there's anymore I can relate, I'll post later

oops PROM/CALPAK is what I meant :banghead: