I have a 1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula 350 5.7 liter. The problem is the when I put key in the ignition you can here almost start just occured 2 days ago the car does not want to start up. Replaced the distributor cap, rotor, battery, alternator, spark plugs and wires and the ignition module under disturbor cap area belt new. Every time I put in now it just cranks but no start could it be a timing belt problem bad gas in car? You can smell gas when you turn the key.

 

ok first so it cranks but doesnt catch? then the basic things to check are spark and fuel. You say you smell gas? ok is this an original TPI car or is it a motor swap with a different induction system?

Check spark remove a plug and place on a SAFE area to ground (away from fuel sources) turn key and look for spark.

 

The car does spark also checked coil spark does show spark.It is a tpi 350 5.7 liter not swapped .all stock
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it cranks but doesnt catch thats correct almost entire electric system is replaced

 

BUMP

 

BUMP

 

Remove MAF and spray a little starting fluid into the Plemum past the throttles. Try it. If it runs dies. you lost your fuel.

 

where is the maf located on throttle

 

Remove the three inch dia. hose, that is clamped, to the front of the throttle body.

Do not spray into the MAF (black plastic thing on the other end of hose).

 

replaced the maf sensor and relay still wont start.

 

Wow that was kind of an expensive experiment, wasn't it? Did you ever spray any starting fluid into the plenum to see if it would run on that?

Randomly changing parts is not the way to go about this, you need to follow a logical set of steps to find the problem and fix it without spending money on unecessary parts. These cars are prone to fuel problems, the starting fluid trick is a quick way to narrow it down to that. If it runs on starting fluid, then the engine is not getting fuel. If it won't run on starting fluid, then it's probably an electrical (spark/timing/etc) problem.

 

fixed a relay module for ac the car started but now sounds like its misfiring sound when gas is applied sounds like the engine is reving faster then back can do. can it be something with the computer

 

Bump