1989 RS Won't start

Tuffdrvr88 · #1 03-04-2006, 10:56 PM

Alright guys help me out on this one. I have a 1989 Camaro RS TBI 305 5.0. I was having intermittent start problems but that turned out to be the ignition switch, the car sat for about 8 months. Now i just had the throttle body rebuilt, it has a new ignition module, ignition switch, and fuel pump. I am getting fuel and spark. I can start it with Throttle Body Cleaner and it will fire up and run for about 5 seconds this stall out. I am getting a code 34, which is the MAP sensor. I understand that can make it stall if its out it goes refrencing the TPS. What is making it not start though? Im bustin my brain here guys help me out. It needs a tune up, but it did have one before it sat. The rotor is clean the cap is clean. It wants to start it just can't seem to get over the hump. Am i finally lookin at an ECM now? Thanks.

Genopsyde · #2 03-04-2006, 11:13 PM

check and see if fuel is spraying out of the injectors in the TBI, if not, check the INJ fuse in the block. replace the MAP sensor as well, you never know, it might be keeping it from starting.

Tuffdrvr88 · #3 03-04-2006, 11:23 PM

The fuses are good, and i will go get a MAP sensor from pick n pull in the morning but the map sensor usually causes it to start then stall right away. Does this seem like an ECM problem? I don't need it to run great, i just need it to run. I can tune it up later. I was told by a friend that if i have the car running by March 13th he will paint it for free, so i REALLY need the help. Thanks.

Genopsyde · #4 03-04-2006, 11:29 PM

well grab an ecm from the yard as well, it's not a difficult job to swap. I doubt it's the problem tho.

Genopsyde · #5 03-04-2006, 11:30 PM

and you said the fuses are good, but can you actually see the spray of fuel? if not, then they're not firing.

Tuffdrvr88 · #6 03-05-2006, 09:33 AM

Im getting spray but its not continuous. I just have a feeling a sensor is telling the computer the wrong information. Im gonna run a fuel pressure gauge on it and see what i can, ill let you know. Thanks.

malletslinger · #7 03-05-2006, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuffdrvr88

Im getting spray but its not continuous. I just have a feeling a sensor is telling the computer the wrong information. Im gonna run a fuel pressure gauge on it and see what i can, ill let you know. Thanks.

If you think there is a bad sensor then check the trouble codes...

malletslinger · #8 03-05-2006, 05:34 PM

I thought 89s had a MAF... is that only true for some?

Tuffdrvr88 · #9 03-06-2006, 12:47 AM

I think TPI are the only ones with MAF sensors. It doesn't throw any codes believe me i have tried. If i have someone crank it and i hand pour gas down the TBI it will purr like a kitten no real roughness to it. If you slam on the gas while i pour down the TBI the Injectors will spray a beautiful cone of gas and rev the engine but it will then stumble and die as soon as i stop pouring. If i just sit in the car and crank it for a little while it will start for a second then die as soon as it starts. Im thinkin Fuel pump relay or oil pressure sending unit. Because it seems that the engine fires up a little better when there is oil pressure above the alloted 4psi to run the fuel pump. What do ya'll think?

Genopsyde · #10 03-06-2006, 01:03 AM

well if it's spraying fuel then the fuel pump relay is working fine, if it's not picking up oil pressure it'll shut the pump down as well, so i wouldn't blame that either. tbi's don't have maf btw, they have map, the map sensor could be the culprit.

Tuffdrvr88 · #11 03-06-2006, 08:58 AM

The Map sensor (Manifold Absolute Pressure) would go off of the vacuum created by the engine AFTER start up. My problem is that the car doesn't want to start every time i turn the key or i have to crank it a while to get it to catch and it will only stay on for a second. Thats why im wondering if the relay is bad and the oil pressure is waiting to build 4psi of pressure so it can close the circuit with the fuel pump and run. I did have a MAP code when i started trying to get it running but i had a broken vacuum line. Since i replaced that line i have not had any codes at all. Hope this little bit of more information helps you help me lol. thanks guys.

wrightz28 · #12 03-06-2006, 09:46 AM

Have you reset the ECM since resolving the MAP issue?

malletslinger · #13 03-06-2006, 10:25 AM

Have you chainged the fuel filter and fuel pump relay?
Can you hear the fuel pump priming the engine when you turn the key to on?

jweedsk8 · #14 03-06-2006, 05:25 PM

what color is your spark? if it is white or light colored it could be your ignition modual. i used to work for a parts store and i have seen, on more than one occation, come off the shelf bad. As well as starters, alt, ignition switches, expecially auto zones cheap japan crap. but check the color of your spark.
GOOD SPARK + FUEL = vroom vroom

Tuffdrvr88 · #15 03-07-2006, 08:58 AM

FINALLY got a fuel pressure gauge on it today. The problem is the screen on the filter is plugged up and not giving me enough pressure. I want to thank everyone who tried to help i appreciate it a lot, and i got ya'lls back if you need the help. Much thanks!

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD