someone help me please
someone help me please
I have a 1986 iroc-z with the tpi, and i'm having troubles with it staying running. i recently got it and now trying to get it going again. it has been off the road for about 12 years now. it wasnt getting gas so i replaced the fuel pump and a fuel line. now when i try to start it the only thing it does is continue to turn over. i believe its still not getting gas. can someone give me some advice on what i should do and the actions i need to take. please and thank you.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
Car: 1989 Camaro RS--
Engine: MPFI
Transmission: 700r4
Re: someone help me please
I will let the guys that know their stuff answer your Q.
I will bump it for you, good luck!
Bump Bump
I will bump it for you, good luck!
Bump Bump
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 4
From: Central Texas
Car: GTA
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Aussie 9-bolt/3.27 posi
Re: someone help me please
Did you replace the fuel filter (socket & actual filter) when you did the pump? Have you checked for spark at the plugs? Pull a plug & see if the plug is wet like your getting fuel but no spark.
Re: someone help me please
fuel pump was replaced about 2 weeks ago. i pulled the receive fuel line and its getting fuel. cylinders are getting fuel and i replaced the plugs. next im going to replace the wires and hopefully i dont have to replace the coil. thanks for the help. hopeufully the next time i post it will be running smoothly.
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,337
Likes: 29
From: Aurora, OR
Car: 87 IROC Z28
Engine: 355 cid TPI
Transmission: Custom Built 700R4 w/3,500 stall
Axle/Gears: QP fab 9" 3.70 Truetrac
Re: someone help me please
The wires are not the most likely cause of a no spark. I would take good advice and test for spark. The best way to test is using a spark tester. You can buy a cheap adjustable tester at most parts stores. Set the tester at 40KV and look for a strong bluse spark across the gap when cranking. If no luck, test at the coil wire. If you have spark at the coil and not at the plugs, check the cap and rotor for grounding or severe deposits and replace them. If the wires look old, if they are stiff or damaged in any way, replace them. If there is no spark at the coil when cranking, verify power to the coil with key on. If okay, you need to check the distributor connections and look inside for corrosion around the little gear teeth looking pole piece and timing core.
COTM Editor (Retired)
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 83
From: Washington
Car: 89 Formula 350, TTA
Re: someone help me please
sat for 12 years? there could be ALL SORTS of problems. does the gas in the tank even smell like gasoline?
- gas could have turned to varnish
- injectors could need cleaned or replaced
- oil could have turned to sludge
- anything spring loaded (like valve springs) could be ruined
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Fresno Ca
Car: 1992 convertible camaro 1992 z28
Engine: 305 tbi 5.0 tpi
Transmission: 700r4 700r4
Axle/Gears: 2:73 2:73
Re: someone help me please
ok i had a similar problem with my 88. 88 and older tpi units had a 9nth injector used for cold starts you can get a chip to delete it. Also try spraying some gas or starter fluid in the throttle body if it starts and stays running its gonna be your cts aka coolant tempature sensor its right below the throttle body it has a black and yellow cable going to it thats the problem right there replace it.
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Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,337
Likes: 29
From: Aurora, OR
Car: 87 IROC Z28
Engine: 355 cid TPI
Transmission: Custom Built 700R4 w/3,500 stall
Axle/Gears: QP fab 9" 3.70 Truetrac
Re: someone help me please
Any new progress on this car? I generally delete threads from my list that remain inactive for more than a few days.
Re: someone help me please
12 years? ouch.... my 92 TPI sat for 6 years and I had to rebuild/replace the entire fuel system. All new lines, pressure reg, fuel pump, fuel filter, and injectors. The biggest was the injectors. Have you checked fuel pressure at the fuel rail?
Since I seem to see more fuel issues that spark issues in TPIs be sure all is good here first......good luck
Since I seem to see more fuel issues that spark issues in TPIs be sure all is good here first......good luck
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,337
Likes: 29
From: Aurora, OR
Car: 87 IROC Z28
Engine: 355 cid TPI
Transmission: Custom Built 700R4 w/3,500 stall
Axle/Gears: QP fab 9" 3.70 Truetrac
Re: someone help me please
This may be slightly off topic but my 87 IROC sat for 3-4 years and the way I kept the fuel alive was by squeezing the tank completely full to minimize air in the tank. Without oxygen, fuel stays good longer. Fuel stabilizer is better.




