I got a 85 Iroc Z with the 305 TPI. The car wont start, and Im lost as to why. I got to put in a new battery now, but I tried to jump it and it wount start for more than like 15 seconds, then dies on me. I put on a new alternator, battery next, but I know thats not the reason as why the car wont run, and I need this thing to be running yesterday. I think it may be the distributor or fuel pump. I tried to check the fuel pump, but Im not sure how to get to it. Do I have to drop the gas tank? I hope not, I found where the wires go and all but is there a certain spot in the hatch I can get to it. Any ideas on what I should do?

 

Check to see if your car will stay running by having somebody spray carb cleaner or starting fluid into the throttle body.

Your problem sounds fuel delivery related, i would definitely check the fuel pump out, first off turn the key(make sure your radio is off) and listen carefully to hear if the fuel pump is kicking on once the key is turned, it sounds like a soft whining noise, but if it's working you should definitely hear it.

If it kicks on next i would check for pressure at the fuel rails.

A very crude method to check and make sure the fuel pump is operating is to find one of the pressure test valves on the fuel rail(they look alot like tire stem valves, and operate very similar) turn the key to the on position w/o starting the vehicle and check the valve by pushing it open with your finger or a screwdriver, be gentle enough not to damage it. If working semi-properly fuel should squirt from the valve, be careful as not to get any in your eyes,you'd be better off by sort of holding a rag directly over the valve before and while pressing on it.

Now if gas squirts out that does not neccessarily mean you are getting enough pressure(around 45psi) or volume. You need something like 45 to 55 psi to fire the injectors. Most decent shops have a fuel pressure tester.

How long ago was the fuel filter replaced, if it's clogged then that will cause the short running issue you described. Definitely reccomend replacement just for good measure though.

 

I can hear the Fuel Pump whine up. Ill check the pressure. Where is the fuel filter located on camaro's? this is my first one, not mention first american car I ever owned.

 

Drivers side, under the car in front of the gas tank, inside the frame rail. Check to see if it is firing the spark plugs. igntion module are known to fail.

 

yea definately change the fuel filter. 10 minute job easily, and i consider it pretty much regular maintanence as far as tune ups. make sure when you replace it open your gas cap so no pressure builds up, and when your done cap it back, before you turn the engine over turn the key for the accessories on and then off about three times for about 10 seconds. let the fuel that you lost in the lines get primed back up. hope this helps and good luck.

 

ok I found out that there is one wire that is suppose to be connected to my distributor that isnt, and that wire is the same color as one that runs to my fuel pump, not sure if that may be a problem or not. I also found a green wire that connects to the drives side of the engine, think its a O2 sensor possibly, but that wire (the green one) was touchin some metal where I discovered its stirped somewhat. Could this also be a problem to my car not starting??

 

I fixed that wire, and tried to jump, and thistime car acted like it wanted to turn over, but still isnt. I am guess its a definate fuel issue, goin to mess with the fuel systems tomorrow.