1990z28

I just picked up a 87 r20 I know it ain't a third gen but its a tbi 350 engine. My problem is no furl sprays out while cranking but if you pour some down the blades it fires up and runs. Just got it today and want a cheap easy fix if possible.

305sbc

iTrader: (3)

Test for electrical signal at the injectors with the key turned to the ON position.
Test for the signal to pulse while cranking.
Test for fuel pressure at the throttle body.

Tuned Performance

iTrader: (92)

if there is no pulse check out your icm and vats

1990z28

There is not vats and I got pressure to it the injectors just don't work until its running on my camaro when I had the tbi it would spray if I hit it by hand on run and this does nothing I checked a few fuses they werent broken I just picked it up today and it runs good once you put fuel in it when it's running it sprayed a cone like its supposed to. I am not a big fan of fi I yanked on my camaro as quick as I could.

305sbc

iTrader: (3)

I would try bypassing the oil-pressure shut-off switch.
I can't say if you have one or if it will affect your injectors, just that I would try it.

If nothing, then I would try hooking your starter to a second battery and try cranking that way. ECM hooked to original battery, - starter powered by second battery, separately .
I know, that probably sounds crazy.

1990z28

Why start it from another batt

305sbc

iTrader: (3)

the factory has the fusable links going down to the main power cable on the starter. The ECM gets power from there. If the starter is taking up too much of the power while cranking the ECM may be unable to function properly.
I always run fusable links directly to the positive post on the battery. There is less chance of them getting loose or damaged by exhaust heat there.

If you do try two batteries, make sure they are both grounded to your engine. The alternator need not be hooked up for your test.
If the car starts up fine then you know what was going wrong during cranking.

I'm not saying that's your problem, just offering one possible thing to test for.

1990z28

Alright I'll try that if I can come up with another battery I was gonna replace starter because it sounds like it grinds a lot

305sbc

iTrader: (3)

What's your initial spark advance set at?
If it's too high the starter will create an excessively large amperage draw while cranking. You may also get slow cranking and grinding.

1990z28

Not sure yet only had it for 3 days and haven't dug in much on it yet. But the starter sounds to me like gear pulls back to slow and it getting cought on flywheel I read alittle bit in my manuals I know my timing is supposed to be at 0 degrees and my cel does not come on tell bout a minute after I get it started then it wants to shut off haven't been able to check codes yet but my idle is low if I hit ac it shuts off or if I hit brakes. I was gonna cover up the tbi and blow the dirt and dust off engine and check for leaks and check my ECM ground on intake I looked at a couple of fuses and there good. The pump turns on no problem and got pressure. I haven't been able to see if I got any voltage at injector in run and start yet