1987 TPI starting problems
 

I just got done installing '87 TPI and can't get it to run... I put in a new harness with all new connectors, relays and fuse block. I bought this on ebay for $290 @ http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TPI-M...item1e617eec2a
great deal!!!!!!!!! I also bought an ecm ...165 from this man in Colorado for $65. After installing this harness I was unable to get spark with engine cranking. I have a remote starter switch so I was using this to check for spark without pulling a plug, but instead using an extra spark plug on one of the plug wires pulled off a plug in the engine. No spark with ignition on and remote starter switch. I tested the distrib. for power and got 12.4 volts with the ignition turned on. I also tested the distrib. power wire with ignition turned off and no voltage... I made sure all other connectors were plugged in and unpluged the tach connector just to make sure this wasn't the problem. STILL NO SPARK!!! I check all the wires I ran for new wiring harness and fuses, all good. Then I decided to test with remote starter switch again hooked up to the battery and S termanal on starter relay. SPARK!!!!! and engine started to run for 1/2 sec then died. Could not get it to start. I went to turn off the ignition inside the truck and holy moly, the key wasn't even in it!!!! So I turned on the key and tried again, NO SPARK!!! WOW, I only get spark when the key is turned off!!!! But the distrib. is getting power with ignition on but nothing when ignition off. What gives? Please help me!!!!!!!

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

Well theres your problem, the L98 is in a truck.:crazy:

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

Im sticking an amazing tuned port motor into my JAP truck!!! ganing 100Hp and 8-10 MPG, and loosing 100 lbs. I know this engine will fire up but, what else do I need to know...what do I have f'ed up or turned around?!!!!!
USING A REMOTE STARTER SWITCH TO CRANK ENGINE (REMOTE SWITCH HOOKED UP TO THE BATTERY)~
KEY ON: NO SPARK
KEY OFF: GREAT SPARK.
What is going on here?

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

I havent had enough coffee yet, but isnt a remote start supposed to bypass the ignition, thats why you have spark with the key off. And I dont think the remote is supposed to work with the key on.

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

I guess that's what it's doing with remote starter switch... No ignition on...no distrib. power...but, why does it spark when engine rotates with ignition off??

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

nitey nite and talk to you all after I get some sleep in CA...

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

Some SPACES would make it MUCH EASIER TO READ

What dist are you using?
Have you checked the module inside dist ?

Put 12V direct from batt to dist Pos + and see if you have spark while cranking

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

Remote start button he is using only bypasses the starter part of switch so you can start engine from under the hood.
Still have to have key turned to RUN position for engine to fire

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

Oh, that makes more sense. I still need more coffee though.

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

Thanks, I had a great nite @ local canteena bar. Now i am layingmy head down to sleep, 20 to 5am here so I will check this thread in the morning...11Am your guys EST.
thanks for any thoughts or questions of what I have done or tried to do!!

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

Wrong buddy. The ignition can be off. I had a few remote starters in my cars. The only thing about the car off while the remote start turns on the car is that the igniton system is bypassed which means that the heater and ac will not turn on unless you have a relay in the system. The reason why remote starters are designed to turn on with the ignition off is for ONE reason only, theft. If the system is connected properly, the car will turn off once the brake pedal is depressed. To operate the car with the remote powering the car, all you would have to do is insert the key and turn to "on". So you may of had connected it incorrectly.

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

Where in Cali do you live? If your close enough, I can help you.

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

I am in Paradise, CA...wanna come on up and help me out?! Thanks, but we are only 10hrs or so apart....
I must have something hooked up wrong to the the distributor because bypassing it with the remote starter switch gives spark but when the distrib. is powered up I have no spark...
I know I will figure it out...just a pain in my butte.

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

10 hrs apart is a bit much. What kind of remote starter did you get? All remote starters that I've gotten in the past have delt with the wires in the steering column, never the distributor or under the hood.

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

so is this about you truck or your camaro?

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

You obviously have the remote start connected improperly.

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

IT'S RUNNING!!!!!!!!!!! HERE IS THE DEAL: When doing the wiring, the distrib. connector that came with the wiring was a small 4 wire and I needed the larger connector, which I had from a salvaged harness... I ran the wires from A B C D to D C B A like the wiring harness manufacture told me to...But I messed up by hooking white to tan(bypass wire) and tan to white because the wiring was so faded I could not tell... So, I switched the wires and VAAAROOOMM she's running!!!!!
Now just a little tuning up... anyone know what I should set timing @? The wiring harness guy said 18-20 but the scale on the harmonic bal. only goes to 16! I am in CA with all emissions so anyone have any experience with this> I will look up all this stuff, timing and TPS adjustments in my books but wondering what you all think about timing...
thanks you all for the input, it kept me going down the right path... and I am always learning more about these TPI's!!!!!

Re: 1987 TPI starting problems
 

That wiring harness guy is an idiot. Disconnect the EST connector and set the timing at 8*