I have an 87 305 tpi that wont start. Driving one day, get on gas, boggs down. could downshift to pick up speed, made it home. Next day won't start. Has fuel pressure, spark compression, won't start on starter fluid either. Turns over just fine, oil pressure good. Any ideas ?

 

first thing I would do is check for codes stored in the pcm....

 

Sounds like a problem I had with my 86 TPI 305 mine turned out to be a bad fuel pump

 

check for codes then fuel pressure. low pressure means pump or filter

 

was thinking fuel pump also, but shouldn't it start on starter fluid ? Will check codes Monday after work.

 

.. Get the timing light out and check timing... possibly the timing chain is so loose it slipped cam/ignition timing... how many miles on chain/engine?

 

Had changed the timing chain in the spring. Didn't get to check codes off tomorrow so will do then

 

Tried to check codes by jumping pin 6 &12, light flashed twice then stayed on. nothing else

 

distributor issues possibly? or bad coil? if its not starting on fluid then it must be spark....IMO

 

Yes it should have run for several seconds on starter fluid.
Check easy things first; Check for spark with on old plug connected to any plug wire with the plug metal body touching ground.

 

it has spark, fuel at the rail, when try to start it can smell lot of fuel like it is flooding

 

There's been rash of this type of problem lately.
Disable the pump by remove it's relay. stuff rags under the fuel rail with the pressure valve on it and release the pressure completely.
Remove all 8 spark plugs.
Crank it a few times with throttle wide open to disable injectors then let it sit for a while to dry the cylinders out.
Clean plugs, or buy a cheap set and install them, then use starter fluid, it should start with just turning the key no need to operate the throttle the ECM does that with the IAC valve.

 

Codes come up 12, I've read somewhere that the a bad temperature sensor can cause it to flood and not start. Tried to disconnect the fuel pump, but with all relays next to booster disconnected still came on

 

.. Sounds like someone jury-rigged your pump wiring... turning on key should cause fuel pump relay to run pump for 2 seconds... then after engine starts, an oil pressure (~4 psi & up) switch turns pump back on and keeps it on from then on while engine is running... you may need to get a fuel pressure gauge (~$27 online or free use with deposit at AutoZone) to diagnose what is happening... fuel pressure should be mid 40 lbs...

 

well here's to hoping it's a clogged fuel filter !!

 

Just a suggestion, I wouldn't bother with the filter until the engine is actually running again. If starter fluid didn't getting it to run, a new filter isn't going to make a difference.
I don't like dumping raw fuel in to the catalytic converter, too much will ruin it, that's why I disable the pump & injectors and use starter fluid it only takes a little to start the engine, if it doesn't something else besides fuel is missing.