I have an 86 camaro that wont star. I had it running a few days ago, but now it wont start. I put a new rotor and cap on, but still nothing, also have new pick up coil, but dont know how to install. Been told it could be plugs, SOMEONE please help me, I am getting frustrated.

 

Are you getting any spark to the plugs?

 

What engine do you have? tbi? carb?

 

First off, welcome to the boards. Ok, to start I would double triple check that the cap and rotor was installed correctly, and that all wires are connected back up (one connector location, one clip at back of connector that goes to base of distributor, two clips (white and brown) go in front of the other connector). Next pull the easiest plug out that you can get access to. Take a good look at it, and depending on how it looks then you decide wether they should be replaced (although you should base this decision on 2-3 plugs instead of just one), and while you have that plug out, keep it attached inside the wire boot and place the tip of the plug on the intake manifold (so that the tip/electrode is grounded on the engine), and have a friend crank the engine over. Now assuming that the plug isn't covered in thanksgiving day gravy, should should very clearly see it spark as the engine cranks (make sure you're not holding the wire or plug as the engine cranks, unless you like a numb arm). If no spark, then it's an ignition problem, and I would check fuses, and if you have a way to check that there is voltage at the distributor do that as well(connector on the right front). If you have spark, then it is a fuel related problem (assuming that you don't have a huge hole in the side of the block with a piston on the ground causing a lack of compression, or that there is a squirrel lodged inside the air cleaner. I would start off with that, and let us know where that gets you and we can lead you more indepth to the fuel related problems that could cause a N/S if needed and you'll get squared away.

 

Im going to step out on a limb here and ask something... when you turn the key, does the engine even turn over? is it slow, or seem about the right speed? or for that matter, too fast (ie little or no compression)?
Are you getting spark (as explained above)? Are you getting fuel? (how you go about checking this depends on the typ e of engine you have)