1987 camaro won't start

daba · #1 03-15-2007, 09:05 PM

I have a 1987 camaro that was running one day and then the next day it would not start. I think it might be the distributor cap,but i'm not sure. Is there any way to test the distributor cap? I can smell gas,but it will not start. What might i be able to do about this problem?

SG007 · #2 03-15-2007, 09:12 PM

What kind of noise does it make? Battery good?

daba · #3 03-15-2007, 09:19 PM

When i turn the key to the on position i can hear the fuel pump and the battery is a brand new one. I have looked over many things and i don't see of any problems

goldz28 · #4 03-15-2007, 11:31 PM

Do a search on the forum for VATS or vehicle anti theft system. Could be that if your key has the lil chip in it.

Twizted_3KGT · #5 03-16-2007, 12:42 AM

I don't think there was VATS in '87, could be wrong though. Does the engine crank? I doubt it would be the distributor cap unless you've been noticing a rough idle and rough running conditions lately. What EXACTLY happens when you turn the key, sounds and sights?

Morley · #6 03-16-2007, 02:11 AM

In 87 VATS was only in Vetts.

goldz28 · #7 03-16-2007, 02:13 AM

You learn somthing new every day.

daba · #8 03-16-2007, 06:25 AM

When I got the car about a month ago, it was running rough. I would be able to start it, but it would stall out. I would be able to do that a few time, then it would run rough at first, then run a bit smoother. The last time it ran, it only ran for a few seconds, then stalled. It did this a couple times, then nothing. It hasn't run since. I put a code reader on and it comes out with no errors. When I try to start it, I can hear it cranking, but once in a great while it sounds like it tries to fire, but then just a cranking sound again. I can smell gas when I do this. The only lights I see are the normal lights that light up when you try to start the car, but those always lit anyway.

wrightz28 · #9 03-16-2007, 10:29 AM

Have you done any retuine amint. since purchasing the car?

No need really for cap, just inspect for crack, carbon tracking, corrosion etc.

Then you need to verify if you have spark and what the condition is.

daba · #10 03-16-2007, 02:54 PM

How would you check for spark in a car?

Twizted_3KGT · #11 03-16-2007, 09:12 PM

Pull off one of the wires where it goes onto the spark plug, put the metal part of the connector about half an inch from a ground (you may want to hold it with some pliers), and have someone crank the engine over. If you see it arch between the wire and ground you have spark on that cylinder, and probably the rest.

daba · #12 03-17-2007, 02:13 PM

Where exactly should I place the wire on the engine? And what would I try if it doesn't have spark?

daba · #13 03-17-2007, 04:30 PM

It seems like when I try to start it,it wants to start occasionally but then it just stops and does nothing. Should I try replacing the cap or just keep trying other things?

SG007 · #14 03-18-2007, 09:08 AM

Caps are pretty cheap, might as well try that first.

Twizted_3KGT · #15 03-18-2007, 09:48 PM

yeah I just bought a cap+rotor, I think it was under $20. Take yours off and look at the metal in it to see if they're corroded. Couldn't hurt to do the ignition coil at the same time, thats $21 new on eBay, never checked the stores.

You should put the wire near a ground (stut tower bolts, header, etc.) something metal and grounded.

How long has it been since you've changed your spark plugs?

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