1994 Z28 won't start

[shaunsZ]

my 94 Z28 5.7 L V8 stopped running, died out while driving. Won't restart. Egine cranks and backfires during start. Checked the obvious, gas, loose wires, fuses, etc. Checked for spark from coil and distributor to the plugs. That was okay. Even took a shot at spraying Ether with open throttle, but no engine start. Anyone out there with a similar problem or knows what the problem could be ? Would appreciate any help on this. Either post to this thread or email me. Thanks alot..

[89IROC&RS]

my first guess, computer glitch, but hard to say without running a diagnostic, could be the spray pulse, could be a blown maf sensor, and even though you checked it, those optispark (it is an LT1 right?) distributors are notorious for being crap. i dont know about the gas tank in those years, but if it has a baffle, then the baffle in the tank could have been sucked into fuel pump, usually it will fall out when left sitting, and will start, so if the car is a paper weight, then thats probly not it. but seeing as the car just died while driving, something obviously let go, i would definately look at everything electrical. before fuel or anything else. and the obvious, the car has a diagnostic port for a reason, if you can, get it hooked up to a tech 2, and scan it for trouble codes, chances are it will tell you everything you need to know. good luck.

[perk03z06]

Had the same thing happen to me while on the highway. Kinda scary to lose power steering and brakes @ 75 MPH with cars around you! Nonetheless, once it died, there was no starting it. Cranked without fire.

What had happened WAS the Opti-Spark bearings were QUITE worn in the center rotor, causing a single HARD spark to be distributed to all 8 cylinders all at once. This of course will not allow a running engine. Replacement of the distributor found the inside of the unit completely charred.

Troubleshooting this is difficult, since checking for spark with a spark tester will always show good, clean firing spark. I would suggest replacing the distributor. If this does not cure the issue, check the circuit that runs from the ignition switch to the ECM which is used for the resistor embedded in the key. If the tabs inside the ignition are not making contact, this will cause the same problem. Hope I've helped.

James