I have a 1988 Trans Am GTA with a 350 TPI motor. Recently, the head gasket developed a leak so I replaced it. I got it all back together and it won't start! I've replaced the distributor, ignition module, pickup coil, and the ignition coil. I've checked everything numerous times and I'm certain that everything is plugged into the right places. I've checked the fuses under the dash, and the one by the battery. The starter works fine and the engine just turns over and turns over. It's not getting a spark to the spark plugs. I took a spark plug wire off and put a screwdriver in it and set it up on the top of the engine to see if there was a spark and there wasn't. The whole ignition system has been replaced! I'm fresh out of ideas. I'm about to take it to a mechanic to see if they can figure it out, but I'd rather do it myself! Anybody have any ideas? Thanks for any info! Matt

 

i am kind of confused about this one, but something kind of like this happened to my girlfriends car. turned out to be a broken timing chain. cam wasnt turning the distributor. pull your distributor cap and make sure the rotor is turning. just an idea.

 

Chief,

Welcome Aboard!

First, you'll need a voltmeter to test some system voltages.

Check for voltage at the BAT connection at the distributor (solid pink or pink/black wire). You should measure full battery voltage.

Try disconnecting the EST bypass connector to force the EST into default mode.

Check the pickup coil connections (green and white wires) on the HEI module. Meter the pickup coil resistance (should be betwen 500-1,500 ohms).

Check the ignition coil connections and test coil resistance (should be 0.1-1.0 ohms on the primary side and 6,000-10,000 ohms on the secondary side).

Something there should get you a little closer to the problem.

 

Thanks for the info, but you might as well be speaking french! I don't have a multimeter or an ohmeter or any of that stuff. If I did, I wouldn't be sure how to troubleshoot any of that stuff. How much do an Ohmeter or a multimeter cost? Will a multimeter test for ohms? Thanks for the info! Matt