First, 89rs L03
ok, so I have this bright idea to move my air cleaner so I can get to my pcv valve easier...yesterday I changed out my dead alternator, this morning changed the oil. Everythings working just dandy, pop the new pcv valve in (going to get a new hose for it very soon, old one looked great and didn't have anything in it. new one cant hurt.) Put my air cleaner assembly back tighten it go to start the car...just cranks and cranks

Dont know what to do, any ideas? Anyone ever have this problem?

 

Knock the injector wiring off its plug?

 

I looked and looked, I'm not good at anything but I can clearly see 4 wires altogether there. 2 for each plastic looking connection... they both look pretty untouched. I'm at a loss noone can probably help me, by the way thanks for the advice on my previous post today I'll take any advice from anyone in icon motorsports :hail:

 

Check your intake setup. I didn't tighten up my airbox well enough one time and the car ran like ****. It tried to stall out on me. I identified the problem by listening to it and I could hear what sounded like a huge vacum leak. I think it was drawing in to much air and the ECM didn't compensate correctly for it. That's my $.02.

 

Removing the filter would not cause it to fail to start, so its obviously something else you touced, puirpously or not. Check the coil and plug wires. Check the injector connectors. Look at anything in the way you might have moved or bumped loose.

 

Lo3s are happy to run without the air cleaner on...I drove mine around for an entire day without a filter while I was letting the k&n dry (i know i know). If your alternator was dead you sure the battery isnt juiced? If your alternator died more than likely your battery drained also...no wait nevermind you said it cranked...****.

Check for spark by grounding a plug to the block. If no spark check the coil and possibly the ignition module. If no spark at all and your injectors are firing then its probably the coil.

 

How long did you crank it? The battery might be drained to the point where it will crank but not turn over.

 

Did you connect the alternator back right? If it cranks hard for about 2-3 seconds then the battery probably isnt it.

 

I mean, I can sit there and crank it for as long as I want, the battery is about a year old. The new alternator charged it up quick... I'll go check for a spark, I just touch the bottom of the sparkplug to some metal right?

 

so the car has ran after the alternator was put in?

 

yes just fine, ran it for about 30min after, next day changed the oil ran it for another 20min...I mean the problem only happend after I.. moved air cleaner assembly, old pcv out new one in assembly back turn key just cranks. Thats exactly where I'm at, and nothing is loose and I pushed on all the connections, its not even like theres a lot there...

 

And you're sure there is gas in the tank?

And that the fuel pump is working?

If you squirt just a *little* gas down the open bores and then try to start it, does it fire up?

 

damn i need to put the ICON MOTORSPORTS link back in my sig. have you checked for spark? coil wire ok, or any of the power supply wires going to the coil.

 

Get a voltmeter and check the connections to the coil with the key on and see if your getting any electric to the coil. If not its not a the coil but an electrical connection somewhere.

 

I'm gonna have to tow it somewhere, I don't know what else to do its weird. Check the spark, definately getting spark! so it should ignite fuel right? Must be a problem with that, put a little gas in there see if it starts, a little more. Still not starting, nothing just cranks normally. Check the pm-fuel fuse whatever its called its fine, check ecm ign, ign, finally just check them all. Nothing wrong there, if anyone is reading this you know if there is an inline fuse somewhere? Rechecked all the wires everything is where it should be and pluged in tightly....

 

Sorry about the post guys, turns out the pass key module went hay wire at that precise moment in time. Weird thing is the old one has the date 04-09-95 on it. Oh well... Thanks for the help guys and sorry I bothered you all. These stupid pieces cost $274 all together from GM

Were talking about 1988 technology here! Oh well, again sorry I bothered you all.

 

The key module? what the hell is that? So it was cranking, getting spark, and fuel but still wouldnt start? thats crazy. Stupid computer controlled vehicles....your 89 has VATS does it. Is that what it was? I dont think the 88 cars like mine had it but it wont matter soon anyways...no security features on a carbed car.

 

That will only happen on a MAF equipped car. If there is any leak in between the MAF and the Throttle Body, there will be what is called a Metered Air Leak. The MAF is saying "X" amount of air is coming in, while the engine is seeing "Y" amount of air.