Hey gang,
I have a problem with a recently purchased 1988 5.7L IROC Z28 which was
running but now refuses to start after a tune-up. I replaced the plugs,
wires, distributor cap, and rotor and went to start it up but now it just
won't turn over. It tries to start but I can't seem to get it going so I've
systematically tried to trace down what I may have done to cause this
problem. I've checked the wiring for the correct firing order, pulled the
plugs to make certain they were gapped right and fuel was present, replaced the starter thinking that was bad, replaced the ignition coil, had the
ignition module checked at the local parts store to make sure it was working
properly, checked the wiring to the starter motor to make sure I didn't have a short, charged the battery overnight, and checked the distributor to
make sure that I had a good spark. All of this and I have the same
problem-the engine cranks repeatedly but will not turn over. Occasionally
it will back fire but that's the closest it comes to starting. Anyone have
any suggestions on what to look at next? Man is this ever frustrating!
Any advice is appreciated,
M.L

 

Sounds like a firing order problem to me but you have checked that you said,could it be that you have the right firing order but may have placed the wires +1 or -1 in order on the cap i have made that mistake att least once having the same outcome as you

Brgds Mats

 

Thanks for the tip-my first guess as well was that somehow I had the wires messed up. Can you help me clarify the firing order for an '88 5.7 L engine and how do I make sure what the #1 spot is on the distributor since neither one of my caps has any numbers?
Much thanks,
M.L.

 

Make sure your engine is in TDC on number 1 cylinder then lift the cap then see if the rotor is aligned with your number 1 wire connector on the distributor it could be that the rotor is pointing on the next cylinder in order to fire or the previous one,so you have to move allwires one step back or forward.
The firing order of a CSB is 18436572.

Regards Mats

 

You're a genius Badcam70! I removed the distributor cap and found that I was indeed one terminal off from the rotor. After adjusting the wires it started up on the first try!
Thanks a bunch!