1990 - 88 olds wont start

[saucychic68]

I know this car is fuel injected but on the days it has started it was only after i gave it a little gas - Now the car wont start at all - i bought a new battery as it did start the other day with a jump and some carb cleaner (after about 10 tries and the guy helping me almost catching on fire YIKES) - however, the new battery has no effect - even with some carb cleaner. It is acting like its not getting gas or maybe not enough voltage - HELP! Could it be something as simple as spark plugs or maybe the alternator?

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF. Start with the basics here, is there spark at the plugs, do you have fuel pressure at the rail ,are the injectors pulsing, no other way to diagnose this.

[saucychic68]

Yes - new spark plugs helped - now i have another question. I took the car to get and oil change - and the mechanic told me the harmonic balancer needs repair (the engine rattles when in idle) - any idea how extensive a repair this is and how much it might run me?

[maxwedge]

About 1.0-1.5 hrs labor plus the part, about 60-100.

[saucychic68]

Thanks for the help!