I just bought a 1986 Z-28 with a 305 that had some work done. The only work on the engine, or so I was told, was rebuilding the heads, they had cracked. I was able to start it up and drive it home when I bought it. It ran rough and hesitated before accelerating. When I got home, I tried to time it according to Chilton's, and now it won't even turn over. I noticed all the sparkplugs where one post clockwise when timing it, but even if I try to put the sparkplugs back it doesn't turn over. If someone can help me, how do I fix the problem?! - Chris

Some more information....
it's a LB9 TPI engine. When the key is turned, the starter tries to turn the engine over (I can hear it cranking), but the engine doesn't run.

In reply to 85SportCoupeto89RS, I didn't smell antifreeze...

- Chris

 

I bet the motor has a blown head gasket. Were you able to smell antifreeze while driving? Your story sounds quite similar to my 2.8's after my gasket blew.

 

Chris,

Welcome Aboard!

First, and as a general note, it always helps to provide as much information as you can about the vehicle in question. We know that it is an '86 Z, but there were two possible engines available in that car - the LB9 TPI engine and the L69 carbureted engine. Depending on the other symptoms, it could be helpful knowing that.

Next, there are three things necessary to operate an engine:

• Fuel;
• Compression;
• Spark at the correct time.

Lacking anyone of those will prevent the engine from running. You mentioned that the engine "won't even turn over". Does that mean that the starter won't even crank the engine at this point?

 

Ditto! Is the starter engauging and cranking the motor over? If so get a buddy and have him crank the motor over while you check for spark (pull out a wire and stick an old plug in there and ground it to the chassis or some bare metal part on the engine (not a fuel line though!) If your spark is good then check to see if your getting fuel through the carb/tbi (whatever you have) IF your getting fuel and spark I don't know why you aren't getting it to even fire once....