Hi guys,

So I have a 91 Z28 convertible, 305 TPI automatic. I parked it a few years ago (Not intending to leave it sit). I wanted to try and start it, I changed the oil, drained the fuel tank by taking apart the fuel lines were they meet the fuel rail and letting it drain out, then filling the tank with fresh gas running it through the lines to chase out any leftover old fuel, reconnected lines and and let some more fresh gas chase out of the Schrader valve. then I try to start it and wont start, put a little fuel to the intake using spray bottle fires right up, then dies out from fuel starvation.

car has around 40,000 miles not sure if it's the fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter or what else it might be.

I don't think its the fuel pump when I disconnected the lines fuel was shooting like a water hose.

Could possibly be injectors?

Also the old fuel may have been stabilized but I can't remember if I did or not, although it still smells fresh.

any help would be appreciated

 

Could be like 100 different things....
Sounds like you have good fuel pressure so lets assume its not the pump for now.

A 91 car will be equipped with VATS. There is a 'SECURITY' light on the dashboard that should come when you turn the key to the 'ON' position and then go off. Can you confirm that the light is behaving like this?

After you rule out the VATS, I would just pull the rails and crank it to see if the injectors are firing.

 

First, make sure the battery is fully charged and the charging system is 100%.
after sitting for that long you may have corrosion on some electrical connections.

then troubleshoot the fuel system.

can you hear the fuel pump prime when you key the ignition to run (but not cranking the starter) If the pump is not priming check the fuel pump fuse, relay, and wiring first before replacing the fuel pump.


also did you replace the fuel filter?

check the fuel pressure. connect a fuel pressure gage to the Schrader valve on the fuel rail. Fuel pressure should build when you prime the pump and you should have pressure when cranking.

No or low fuel pressure means clogged filter, clogged sump sock, or a dead / dying fuel pump.

good luck!

 

Thanks for the replies.

Yes the VATS light "Security" comes on then goes off.

I put a new battery in it, I can hear the pump prime (build pressure for a few seconds then stop). I was looking through my paperwork, the fuel tank is pretty new and so is the pump, I have a Milwaukee camera I stuck in the tank when it was drained, no dirt.

I have not put a fuel filter in yet, because it a lot of pressure when I disconnected it at the fuel rail (literally more than a water hose when I put my thumb on it).

Do you guys think it's as simple a replacing the fuel pressure regulator?

I'm going to go down to the parts store this weekend the fuel pressure tester and go from there but I wanted to get a little bit of information before I get started on tearing into the fuel system.

 

not sure how the tpi cars are, but my tbi has a rubber line on the return line, clamp it off and crank it, but i wouldn't leave it that way long, and that should give you a better guess as to the fpr being bad or not

 

Before messing with the fuel system, verify that it will run when supplied with fuel by some alternate means; shoot some starting fluid into it and see if it at least tries to run.

I'd suggest also, draining the existing fuel and putting in fresh.

And, leave aside any "tearing into" until you have a diagnosis.

Your fuel pressure gauge will tell you if your regulator is working right.

 

Someone didnt read through the posts ^

Are your injectors getting power? May be electrical... Parts stores rent out the diodes to test them.

 

So I have a 91 Z28 convertible, 305 TPI automatic. I parked it a few years ago (Not intending to leave it sit). I wanted to try and start it, I changed the oil, drained the fuel tank by taking apart the fuel lines were they meet the fuel rail and letting it drain out, then filling the tank with fresh gas running it through the lines to chase out any leftover old fuel, reconnected lines and and let some more fresh gas chase out of the Schrader valve. then I try to start it and wont start, put a little fuel to the intake using spray bottle fires right up, then dies out from fuel starvation.

is it possible you reversed the fuel lines when you reconnected them?

OR you have air in system and needs to bleed off. prime the pump while depress the Schrader valve to bleed any air

is the gas cap on... ?

 

if the pump and fuel system check out then check to make sure injectors are getting power...