1987 Century Starting Problem

[mrpb]

Hi all,
This is my first time posting.

My teen aged son tells me that for the past week, his 1987 Century has sometimes been unresponsive when he pressed the accelerator: Pressing pedal to the floor but no response "until it catches and " then the car accelerated. Today, the car won't start. It cranks, but won't start. I'm guessing this is a fuel problem, but don't know where to start. What should I check, in order of most likely (or easy to check) DIY fix.

Thanks in advance,
mrpb

[maximagirl420]

fuel filter/pump, spark plugs

[bhoke]

Carb or EFI?
it might also be a computer issue.
You could try spraying some starter fluid in the air intake to determine if it is firing. Spray some (a couple of short squirts should do) in the intake then cover the air cleaner and crank it before the fluid evaporates off. If it fires it is a fuel issue if not it is an ignition or electrical problem. Be warned it might back fire so put the top on the intake before cranking it.