89 Grand Am won't start

[commutergp]

Ok, here it is. This may have been asked before, but did a search to no avail. My wife's Grand Am with a 2.3L Quad 4 engine will not start! Had changed the coils and that helped some at one time. ICM has been tested - ok. Changed Spark plugs and S.P. tubes along with Crank sensor (head broken off). This thing is driving me nuts! The spark plug tower was replaced about 2 years ago. Shows no sign of tracking. Could this maybe at fault, even tho no signs of tracking? Plenty of fuel pressure of 40 lbs. All wires have been checked, but not relays. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Mark

[GTP Dad]

A couple questions. 1. Do you have spark? 2. Do you have fuel at the injectors? 3. Do you have compression? All three will prevent a car from starting. The reason for the questions is you could have an ECM problem, a timing issue or it could be related to the ignition components as you indicated. The other item could be that the timing chain has jumped time and will not allow it to start. A compression test will allow you to determine if the valves are closing at the proper time if they are hanging open due to it being out of time then that is the issue.

[commutergp]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

A couple questions. 1. Do you have spark? I believe so, I have to ask the mechanic that's looking at it if he has tested for spark2. Do you have fuel at the injectors? Yes 3. Do you have compression? Will have check that - haven't done that yet. All three will prevent a car from starting. The reason for the questions is you could have an ECM problemForgot to mention that it has a new ECM., a timing issue or it could be related to the ignition components as you indicated. The other item could be that the timing chain has jumped time and will not allow it to start. A compression test will allow you to determine if the valves are closing at the proper time if they are hanging open due to it being out of time then that is the issue.ok, thanks - I'll look into that. Thanks for your reply....

......

[commutergp]

Well, it's running again! Yay! Come to find out that some of the grounds were dirty and/or loose! I didn't think that would cause this problem, but I guess ya learn something new every day....... Thanks for the help anyway.

Mark

Update: The POS quit again! Checked the compression and it is low. Timing chain I suppose. Gonna part it out. Anyone need some good parts? I took out the ECM and returned it for the money and put the new battery in my Grand Prix. Wheels are the "stylised" alum. 16" and the tires are relatively new. I'm in Middleton, Id.

[commutergp]

Email me at [email protected] if ya want some parts.

Thanks,
Mark