car won't start

i have a 94 lt1 firebird, i changed the distributor,and now it won't start.it back fires when i try to start it.i've checked the plug wires over and over.and i don't know what's wrong. could some one help.:banghead: :shakehead

ok i got this lt1 94 firebird 5.7 off this guy and he told me all the car needs is a starter then it will run well i got one and it still would'nt start so i put a new coil,controll modual,spark plugs,disrtibutor and cap ,fuel filter,for the car and after i put the distributor on and then when i put the distributor back on it back fires through the exaust.would the key switch have any thing to do with it or the timing. someone please help asap.:banghead: :shakehead :2cents:

Nope.You got the dist out of time.Short story.Pull #1 plug,2 guys,hold finger in plug hole.Bump,BUMP, key,get a POOF , that is TDC.Line up timing mark on crank pulley,drop dist so that rotor is pointing @#1 on cap car will start,set timing.Sounds like you out 180 or at least out.

Stock 94 5.7? If so, you have an LT1 and that means optispark and that means $$$$.
You replaced the distributor? or just the cap?

symptoms?

car cranks, im guessing..

can you hear a fuel pump?

can you check for spark on plugs?

i replaced distributer , cap , & button

fuel pump is running & i do have spark to all plugs

it's a LT1 so the "distributor" is something call optic spark. it is a pain and can get expensive. make sure you have the car in time also.

does anyone know on the opti spark distributor where the rotor button points at tdc on #1 plug?

DOES ANYONE KNOW ON THE OPTI SPARK DISTRIBUTOR WHERE THE ROTOR BUTTON POINTS AT TDC ON #1 PLUG.
:banghead: :shakehead :2cents: I REALLY NEED HELP PLEASE.

One thread per problem, please.

Nope.You got the dist out of time.Short story.Pull #1 plug,2 guys,hold finger in plug hole.Bump,BUMP, key,get a POOF , that is TDC.Line up timing mark on crank pulley,drop dist so that rotor is pointing @#1 on cap car will start,set timing.Sounds like you out 180 or at least out.

I HAVE A 94 LT1 FIREBIRD FORMULA : THANKS I WILL TRY THAT THANKS.

Stock 94 5.7? If so, you have an LT1 and that means optispark and that means $$$$.
You replaced the distributor? or just the cap?

I'VE CHANGED BOTH.

symptoms?

car cranks, im guessing..

can you hear a fuel pump?

can you check for spark on plugs?

THE FUEL PUMP IS RUNNING AND THE PLUGS HAVE POWER ALSO.

One thread per problem, please.

I DID POST ONE THREAD PRE PROBLEM I DON'T KNOW HOW THEY ALL CAME ALL TOGETHER.
SORRY ABOUT THAT.

FUEL PUMP WON'T RUN, WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR AND THE KEY SWITCH IS TORE UP WOULD THAT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT NOT GETTING ENOUGH GAS OR START? THAT GUY THAT I GOT THE CAR OFF OF SAID HE'S BEN DRIVING IT THAT WAY PLEASE HELP:disappoin :banghead: $$$$$$.

Maybe The Fuel Pump Is Bad? Are You Sure The Pump Is Not Pumping Or Is It Just That You Are Not Getting Fuel To The Engine? It Could Also Be A Clogged Fuel Filter! Perhaps If You Would Let People Know What Year The Car Is And What Engine Is In It We Could Help You Better. P.s. When You Type In All Caps It Sounds Like You Are Yelling!

Maybe The Fuel Pump Is Bad? Are You Sure The Pump Is Not Pumping Or Is It Just That You Are Not Getting Fuel To The Engine? It Could Also Be A Clogged Fuel Filter! Perhaps If You Would Let People Know What Year The Car Is And What Engine Is In It We Could Help You Better. P.s. When You Type In All Caps It Sounds Like You Are Yelling!

sorry about that. i have a 94 lt1 firebird formula 5.7 the fuel pump runs but when i try to start the car it don't run. would the key switch be the cause. i have a new fuel filter on the car. thanks.

i'm sorry about that. i have a 94 lt1 firebird formula 5.7 the fuel pump runs but when i try to start the car it don't run. would the key switch be the cause. i have a new fuel filter on the car also.
thanks.

I would start testing for the important elements that make cars go. Test to make sure you are getting fuel, spark and air to the engine. If you know you are not getting one that makes it easier. What do you mean by the key switch? I am thinking maybe the problem is the anti theft system in the car. Does the sercurity light blink when you try to start it?

no the anti theft light does not blink. the key is broke off inside the switch and there's a little white wire hanging out of the switch.

Sounds like it's been messed up pretty bad. That could be the problem, start simple check to ss if it is getting fuel air and spark.

it is getting spark and my plugs is dry.how do u see if it's getting air? i can spray starting fluid and it will try to start.

Well, I would guess that you are right about it not getting fuel not sure why. Maybe thet key issue is not turning the injectors on so they aren't spraying. I am fresh out of ideas...

thanks for your help.

how do u check to see if your getting air?

You really don't have to. Just basically make sure your intake isn't clogged up. But if you take it off and spray starting fluid into it and it runs you aregetting air. Those are just the basic things needed for an engine to run, Fuel, Spark, Air, and Compression.

Good luck getting her running

thanks so much for your help

No prob.

These are the plug wire assignments for an Opti:

http://72.19.213.157/files/OptiSparkCap.jpg

Remember that you're looking at the rear (inside) of the cap, so #1 is the lower terminal at the driver's side (left) of the engine.

If the ignition lock cylinder is damaged, the VATS/PassLock system may be inhibiting injector pulses. Does the SECURITY lamp turn on when the ignition is first powered on?

If the ignition lock cylinder is damaged, the VATS/PassLock system may be inhibiting injector pulses. Does the SECURITY lamp turn on when the ignition is first powered on?
He said no. We've narrowed it down to fuel. What I would do is sit next to the gas tank and have a friend turn the key to the on position you should hear the fuel pump prime on for a second or two. If not check all your fuses. If all fuses are good get a multimeter and put it on the exposed ends of the wires and switch it to DC and have your friend again turn the car on to see if your getting power, If you are and you don't hear the pump then it is bad. If your pump is good and you hear it while sitting by the tank than one of three things are happening.

1) You have no fuel and your gauge is broken or there is bad fuel. (drain and replace).

2) Your fuel Line is clogged (new fuel filter but you said its new did you replace it or previous owner)

3) Your injectors aren't getting a pule to spray fuel (ECM, VATS, related).\

Just to clearify the spark plugs don't smell like gas after you crank it a couple of times?


-Nate

it comes on but don't blink.

the injectors are not working, i put on a new fuel filter and fresh gas in the car. the fuel pump does run when i turn the key on. what is ecm vats. when i spray starting fluid it trys to start.

yes the security light does come on but it does not blink.

yes the security light does come on but it does not blink.
it comes on and stays lit? If so thats your problem. Need to get the old key out of the ignition and purchase a new key from the dealer.

ok i'll try that.

thanks. randy