My 86 firebird has a 2.8 l mpfi engine . It was running fine then it lost power but still run . I limped home .I tried to start it and it cranks tries to start but wont . Changed out distributor cause it was rusty. It is getting fuel and spark. Ive checked the starter wires all have proper voltage. Im lost at what else it could be . Any sugestion ?The timing was checked and the distibutor is positioned right. When i try to start it seems to fire but just wont runThere is no smell of flooding. there is fuel going to the engine .i pushed on the pressure value on plenum and fuel comes out .the starter doesnt cut out . there are no codes stored .there is no smell of excessive gas the cap rotr wires and plugs are all new any suggestions would be apreciated

 

could be the alternator

 

Cobra,
You need to put a fuel pressure gauge on the rail & get a reading. Pushing the schrader valve is not a good test. If you are certain you've got good spark at all plug wires, then I would move on & check for fuel pressure. Do you hear the fuel pump run when you turn the key on? Get a fuel pressure reading & post back.
Corky

 

yes the fuel pump runs when i turn the key on . I'll get a tester today and post the findings

 

Sorry it took so long been working a lot lately. The fuel pressure is 35 .I took out the fuel rail and turned the engine over and the right bank of injectors doesnt have any fuel coming out of it .aNY IDEAS OF WHAT WOULD CAUSE THIS

 

ok now i bought a niod light and the injector wires all blink when i crank the engine over .also it is getting fuel now but it still cranks but no start . im at my wits end with this . ive put almost 500 dollars in new parts

 

OK, you've got fuel & injector signal - what about spark? I know you said you changed the distributor, but have you checked for spark at coil wire & plugs? If no spark, then check pickup coil wires inside distributor & then move on to the infamous ignition module.
Post back
Corky

 

I ve got a weak spark ill change the pickup coil today and have the module checked at the same time
thanks

 

Simply test the pickup coil first - it is a PITA to change. Remove leads from the module & put a lead from ohmmeter on each pickup coil wire. Meter should read between 500 - 1500 ohms (reading should be 1 steady value) - flex wires while testing to make sure there are no breaks in the wires. Test each module lead to ground with the ohmmeter - should read infinty (should not get a reading). Not much you can do to test the module - not an expensive part to replace - Bad module is generally the cause of a no start.
Corky

 

put a new pickup coil in today no it fires but wont start . the ignition module tested ok at auto value parts but i ordered a new anyways it will be here tommorrow . it wants to start now but wont . if it still wont start with new module in it what else could it be thanks

 

I assume you are lining the distributor back up properly after you remove it & getting the wires in the correct firing order. If you've got ignition & fuel & still not starting, then you might have a timing issue. Let me know where you are with this prob.
Corky

 

sounds like your a tooth off on the distributor

 

Sort-of same deal happened with my '87. It cranked but didnt start at all. My problem was that the spark plugs were dead. Make sure yours are alright, even if you think their fine.. It's better to know their fine. Other then that its most likely your distributor.. If you have an instruction manual make sure you have them in the correct firing order, not just picking a spot on the distributor and running it to a wire. I'd also make sure that no boots are loose.
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****Aren't loose sorry

 

lol i have had a problem like that twice before, engine starts fine, but half way there my voltage drops WAY down and i limp home, climbing a hill is out of the question. ive pulled over to the side of the road to walk to a parts store and buy myself an alternator. mayb you should check and make sure your getting enough power, because running at idle and driving is different. whats the voltage gage say on your dash?