my 89 camaro rs+ was running fine untill two days ago. I wqas at a red light and it was idleing with some knock ... I figgured it was low quality gas because I couldnt afford to put my norw high octane gas in it. When the light turned green i hit the accelerator and it kinda sputtered and backfirefd and then stalled. I got it over to thje side of the road and it would not crank for S***. the motor will turn and turn and sometimes backfire but will not run. it wont turn ver. any ideas of what it is?


305 5.0l I am going to attempt to pull any error codes as soon as possible. email me at Simon@ufoimports.com if you can help. I can call and talk long distance for help also. I need my baby running soon...

 

Does it have high miles?
Sounds like it might have jumped a tooth on the timing chain.

 

vehicle has 189000 the motor is a rebuild and has about 70-80k on it

 

I had a similar problem recently with my '91 LO3. After much diagnosing and not being able to figure it out, I finally found that three terminals on my distributor cap were baddly corroded including the terminal where my coil (external) connects to the cap. After changing the cap and plug wires, my RS runs smooth as silk!

 

i have checked error codes and no codes present. The cap and rotor button are new. I have checked and i get spark. I have checked all fuses and all connections. I have been told it has to be in the fuel system somewhere. Timing is correct... Please help... I appreciate all help so far.

 

Fuel filter, fuel pump ( put a screwdriver under the gas tank and near your ear, have some one just turn the car on not crank it. If you hear the pump move the pump is working), fuel pump relay (change this before you try the fuel pump), timing (chain or ingnition timinig), and cylinder compression. Thats where I'd start.

 

timing just keeps coming to mind. The engine turn but will not start. Whip out the good ol' timing light.

 

timing is fine and compression is fine. I have yet to check fuel pumpto late to try now 2am. first thing in the mornng i am going to though. any more ideas help ... please be real descriptive. thanks.

 

When you put the screw driver under the gas tank, just let it touch the tank. Put your ear next to or on the screwdriver. Have someone turn to car on. You dont need to crank the engine. The fuel pump actually turns on for about 2 seconds when you turn the key. If all else fails pour a cap full of gas into the throttle body. It should start for a few seconds and then die. If thats the case then you have a problem with your fuel delivery. If not then there is a problem with timing or ignition. What is your timing reading?

 

i did the old fashion check that when the piston is release and pressure pushs the finger off the hole it should be at plug ones firing spot on the distributor. Which it was right before it becasue the piston / chamber "ready to fire". i am not aware of any other way to check timing besides the rotor button spins and I will be taking my timing light to it later this morning. I am aware of you have to unplug the brown electronic timing wire to use a timing gun. correct me if I am wrong on anything.

 

If it is backfiring she is getting fuel so the fuel pump must be coming on why dont you just take off the air intake assembly and turn the key. Just watch the injector to see how she is spraying. oh yea unplug the coil wire so she doesnt backfire in your face. Wouldn't that suck LOL. Anyway it should look like a Nice V shaped dousing spray with no large drops. If that looks good it's probobly timing or like the other guy said You slipped a tooth.

 

Now I'm thinking dirty injectors or fuel filter. The above mentioned spray pattern check should tell you if one of these things could be the problem. Good luck!

 

i figured it out.... I went to use the timing light and the light seemed to flicker on like once every 3 passes with the distributor... so I figured it "HAD" to be a spark problem.... The injectors was doing a v and flooding my engine.... so plenty of fuel... not enough spark.... The coil went bad. Go figure. I really appreciate all your help guys. Thanks a million.

 

Cool. Glad to hear you figured it out!