Help....Will not start

RedSolAZ · #1 09-25-2006, 02:51 PM

I have been trying to help my little bro... with his car. Now I am not a mechanic but I do know my way around an engine alittle.

Problem started, he said he has had something knocking for about a week. After stopping car it would not restart.

I found out that the knocking was the Harmonic balancer/Pulley (whatever) So replaced that and that fixed the knock but still wouldn't start. Turns over very clean now.

Checked for fuses all fine (but I have schematic for fuses)

I tried to see if getting spark (screwdriver in the plug wire trick) doesn't seem to be getting any spark.

Checked to see if throwing any codes. Only giving code 12. (saying no problems)

I'm out of solutions

and can't afford mechanic.

If anyone can advise the next step I should take besides using a stick of dynamite (or 2

) please let me know.

RedSolAZ · #2 09-25-2006, 02:53 PM

Forgot to advise that this is a 87 delta 88 with a 3.8 if that helps.

Good car only has 70k very clean but can't get to start.

maxwedge · #3 09-25-2006, 03:14 PM

Probably beat up the crank sensor when the balancer went bad, take it off again and replace the crank sensor, to confirm this try and scan it and see if you have rpms reading on the scanner when cranking.

RedSolAZ · #4 09-25-2006, 03:33 PM

Scan it? Is this an expensive part to just replace since I don't have a scanner or know how to do this?

The crank sensor, it's just to the right of the crank and has a slot for the pins on the pulley to pass thru right?

maxwedge · #5 09-25-2006, 06:35 PM

The slots are for the cps pick up the engine rotation , Check this link, but remember this is a maybe, do all the diagnostics you can first. http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker...3d8015e42d.jsp

RedSolAZ · #6 09-25-2006, 06:52 PM

Way cool..Thanks for all the info.

Alibi · #7 09-25-2006, 10:01 PM

I second that you have a bad crank sensor. For future reference, this is how you pull codes: http://www.lesabret.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1201

RedSolAZ · #8 09-27-2006, 12:09 PM

Ok I have replaced the sensor and pulled the positive cable. Put everything back together. still will not start and giving no spark?????

Have I missed a step?

What would be next on the list to check?

maxwedge · #9 09-27-2006, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedSolAZ

Ok I have replaced the sensor and pulled the positive cable. Put everything back together. still will not start and giving no spark?????

Have I missed a step?

What would be next on the list to check?

Well as suggested, diagnostics should be done before proceeding, again do you have 12v to the injectorsand injector pulse. Check the harness from the cps sensor to the ign module also, for pinched, cut or chaffed wires. Take the ign control to a Napa, or Autozone they can do a basic check on it for you. While there get a noid lite to check for injector pulse, they are cheap. You are sure all the ign and pcm fuses are good?

RedSolAZ · #10 09-27-2006, 04:31 PM

I didn't run any checks. I just replaced the sensor. I don't know to check the injestors. The harness off the cps looked good but didn't track it down back thru the system. I will check for 12v at injectors

The ignition control is this in the column?? I'm not real familar with this vehicle it's my little brothers and I've never work on this type of car so sorry for all the stupid questions and thanks for you help and patience.

RedSolAZ · #11 09-27-2006, 04:33 PM

Another quick ? .... Why isn't this thing throwing any error codes????

Mickey#1 · #12 09-27-2006, 06:40 PM

See if you have 12 volts going to the ICM. Remove the wiring harness and connect the positive meter lead to the pink (some years are pink/black) & the black lead to the negative battery terminal. Should have 12 volts while the key is in run position.

Alibi · #13 09-27-2006, 10:43 PM

Ok, this is what the ICM is and does: http://bellsouthpwp.net/p/a/padgett46/coils.htm

Not all issues will throw codes. The most common ones that don't are the crank sensor, ICM, and coil(s). You did try the paperclip trick and at least got a code 12, right? Otherwise, the SES bulb in the dash cluster may be blown or your ECM (computer) is shot.

RedSolAZ · #14 09-28-2006, 10:28 AM

I have already checked the codes and It just keeps flashing code 12.

I will check to make sure getting 12v at the pink and black wiring at ICM harness as well as the injectors.

Thanks again for the help. I will check this out when get home tonight and I will post tomorrow what readings I get.

Alibi · #15 09-28-2006, 06:00 PM

Allright, no codes is a good thing. That narrows your problem down to either spark or fuel. You can pull the ICM and have it taken to an Autozone or O"reily (or similar) and have it tested. You can test teh coils by running the car in darkness and with a pair of INSULATED pliars, remove the plug boots off the coil terminals one by one. If it has no spark or an erratic spark, then your' coil is shot (assuming the ICM checks good).

If those aren't the culprits then you need to check the fuel system. Has the fuel filter been changed? They only last 10-15k miles. Is the relay for the pump operational? Do you have enough fuel pressure at the rail (~40PSI)?

You're getting there. This car really isn't hard to work on once you get the hang of things. I really like the series 1 cars mainly because the engine isn't crammed in the bay too badly....that and the 3800 is almost indestructible

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