Well the z-28 decided not to start today. Everything was working fine yesterday, went to start it up today and all i got was cranking. Popped the hood and theres nothing visually wrong (spark plug wires good, no leaks anywhere, fuel pump fuse is good). Also, the computer isnt throwing any codes, jumped terminals A and B on the DLC and all i got was code 12. Im thinking it might be a spark or fuel issue. Being a noob and all, will somebody walk me through the processes of checking for spark and fuel? the car has a lb9 with tpi, witch is mostly stock. Any help would be greatly appreciated. thank you.

 

Grounding a spark plug is the quickest way to test for spark. If you have a timing light, you can hook that up as well and see if it flashes while cranking. Best method is an inline spark tester.

When you turn the get to the "on" position, without actually starting, do you hear the fuel pump prime for 2 seconds?

 

How would i go about grounding the spark plug? And yes i can hear the pump priming.

 

The easiest way is to remove a spark plug wire from one of the spark plugs and insert a spare plug (or remove one from your engine) into the wire. Then hold the spark plug electrode to your exhaust manifold while someone cranks your engine,you should see a spark. Using a pair of rubber grip pliers will prevent any accidental shock

 

Alright i will try that today. Does anyone have a method of checking for fuel? Something else strange is happening, when i jumped the terminals on the dlc to get the codes my electric fan turns on. this is out of place because my fan never turns on.

 

so i tested for spark today, and there is none. what should i do next, replace plug wires? coil? cap and rotor?

 

Check fuses. Then Ignition module is the the next thing i would change. After that i would suspect the magnetic pickup, then coil. If you dont have any physical damage to the spark plug wires and the spark plugs appear to be normal(golden brown color) then its probobly in the distributor.

 

Is there any specific fuses i should check? The wires seem fine (no visual damage) Also i pulled one of the plugs and that seems fine. I hate to ask for it but could someone give me a quick rundown on how to change the ignition module, magnetic pickup, and the coil?

 

Im not trying to be a jerk, but you know where your distributor is right? The ignition module and magnetic pickup are in the distributor. The wires that plug into your distrib are actually connected to the ignition module and then to the magnetic pickup in the distrib. If you dont know what you are doing find someone you know that does or go get a haynes manual, that will be more helpful than an internet forum. Also dont change all at the same time, just try one part at a time.

 

Yes, i do know where my distributer is. I've had it apart before so i feel confedent that i can change out a few small parts in it. Ill start with the ignition module, pick one up later today and see if it helps.

 

Don't buy random parts hoping you'll fix the issue. Parts stores can test ignition modules. Pull your existing one and bring it. Have it tested, if it fails, THEN buy a new one.

 

fuel pump may of gone out, it'll still prime and flow some while cranking sometimes. check your injector fuses, and for the fuel pump buy a fuel pressure gauge and hook it up to the fuel rail on the motor. do a search on that.

 

So today i replace the coil and the ignition module. Niether worked, still just cranks. Also i open the shrader valve on the fuel rail and gas did come out, so i know i have fuel. I have a fuel pressure gauge but i just didnt have the right connection to the shrader valve so i cant test the pressure just yet. All fuses are good too. Any other ideas on what it could be?

 

well i guess tomorrow ill replace the magnetic pickup. Let you guys know how it goes. but for now I'm off to bed.