i have an 88 iroc 350. with an external coil. i changed the plugs and wires and now the car wont start. i smell alot of gas fumes coming from the car after attempting to start. now it was running fine before i changed them out. when i chaged the plugs it did the same thing. but then started two days later. i know the firing order is right and the plug wires are right. would the cold tempurature have something to do with it it was about 30 degrees f am i missing something

 

Was this a pre-built wire set you installed or did you custom build / cut the set? Sounds like the coil wire might be open? Pull it and test for continuity.

 

yeah it was pre-made msd streetfire plug wires. i have not replaced the coil wire yet the new one was too short. maybe i will remount the coil closer to the distributor. i will let you know the outcome tommorrow. any other ideas??

 

So you simply replaced the spark plugs and plug wires and nothing else? Did you remove the dist. cap, coil or anything else?

 

Pick up an ignition spark tester from the auto parts store for about $10. Plug into a spark plug wire and observe with a buddy cranking the car. If nothing, then something is open or grounded. If the spark problem is fixed and still won't start, you're cylinders are probably flooded with fuel. Grab a $3 can of starting fluid while you're at it. Pull the intake air box and shoot this stuff directly into the intake plenum, while your buddy is cranking it. His foot needs to be in it, opening the thottle plates. That should do it.

 

ok i just check the spark got a new coil wire everything seems to be working but it wont start. did not remove distributor cap or rotor,doing that next week, so i am hoping to get it started before then. i am an import mechanic so 4cyls are my friend so v8s are new teritory especially obd1 cars. so even though the cylinders are flooded the starting fluid should work.i just dont understand how changing the wires and plugs could make the engine flood. oh well i will try it tommorrow and update this tommorrow evening thanks guys

 

Simple. If you were cranking your car with no spark, the injectors were squirting the cylinders full of fuel. Be prepared for a lot of exhaust smoke, when she fires.

 

Did you move the dizzy at all? Check the firing order again. Check for any connectors you might have knocked loose.

If you hold the pedal wide open it should go to "flood clear mode" and not fire the injectors.

 

i tried the "flooring it" and it didnt fire. and yes i under stand the injecters fire when you crank again i am a mechanic and know these things but a v8 is a little different from my imports. didnt move anything but the wires and the cyulinders are numbered on the top. i just think my coil wire was bad and was only working part of the time. i am going to try the starting fluid approach tonite.

 

ok so tried the starting fluid. no go blew flame out of the throttle body and would start. i am going to let this thing sit until it warms up nothins helping and i give up for now thanks anyway guys

 

Look's like 327's got it. Either you installed the distributor 180 out, or crossed up a few spark plug wires. No need waiting until spring. A little time re-tracing your steps should do it.