OK So I'm at my wits end and about to tear off the TPI and run a 4 BBL


My 89 Formula 350 quit on me. It would start and run intermittently. Now it will not start at all. I've been throwing parts at it. ICM, Pulse Coil, Fuel Pump, FPR, and fuel filter. I've found problems with each one but none of them are the main problem. My injectors are from South Bay Fuel Injectors and OHM out between 13.7 to 14.2 OHMs.
It will give me the flashing 12 code on the SES. Fuel pressure at the rail is 40lbs.


It will start and continue to run as long as I keep spraying fluid down the PCV.


Any ideas?

 

Your injectors aren't firing. Change the ignition control module in the distributor.

 

[QUOTE=tealman92;5992529]Your injectors aren't firing. Change the ignition control module in the distributor.[/QUOTE


Tried 3 different ones. Original GM, Standard and a BW

 

First off have you disabled VATS? If not I would start there.

You look like you have already checked fuel but have you checked spark? When I bought my 89 it would start and run (rather poorly though) when it was cold but after warming up it wouldn't start again. Fuel was fine but I ended up having to replace the entire distributor because it was so old and corroded inside it wasn't working very well. I also did plugs and wires at the same due to the age as the car had been sitting for a while before I bought it.

I would also check TPS and IAC. Both of these ended up needing replacing on my car even after the distributor because while it would start, the car ran poorly at idle.

If you are still having issues after that you may need to look into a replacement ECM. Bad ECM can cause numerous issues including not being able to start. But I would do everything else before considering the ECM.

 

Track down why your injectors aren't firing. He has spark since it runs with starting fluid

 

I've got the NOID lights on order, should be here in a couple days... Does anyone have a definitive answer on whether or not VATS can interrupt injector pulse? The Security light goes on and off just like its supposed to and it cranks....

 

VATS will disable both starter and fuel. You should bypass the relay and have it disabled in the PROM calibration. VATS is a a known issue with many GM vehicles, I've had to disable it on many of them over the years including both my Camaros.

 

[QUOTE=DOOM Master;5994131]VATS will disable both starter and fuel. You should bypass the relay and have it disabled in the PROM calibration. VATS is a a known issue with many GM vehicles, I've had to disable it on many of them over the years including both my Camaros.[/QUOTE

So I've either got to reprogram the PROM or get one that's deleted? I've got the Moates cable and TunerproRT I just haven't managed to use them yet

 

I confirmed it with a noid light ... I've got no injector pulse

 

I'm guessing you have checked the 2 INJ fuses under the dash?

 

Yep, they're good Hooked up my laptop with a Moates cable and TunerProRT to see if I could log anything....
It fired up but was only running on passenger side injectors.... then it quit again....

 

Odd.
Mouse eat some wires?
Bad ECM ?

 

No mice... that I've found..

I'm leaning towards the ECM. If I grab another
1227165 ECM and plug it in am I going to have more issues? I'm not getting a straight answer about it.

 

You shouldn't, you'll have to install your chip. easy enough.
Could try to remove/install the ECM harness a few times to see if there is something goofy there.
Also do the tap test on the ECM.

 

Did the tap and then bang test... No luck, no change. I did find that its not the original ECM, Its a Blue Streak.....

 

Have you verified spark?

Get a spare plug, pull off the #1 spark plug boot, then stick the spare plug in it and touch the metal case of the plug to the alternator case or some other ground metal. Then have a friend crank the engine over while you watch for spark.

 

It runs fine on starting fluid..... NOID light isn't flashing...

 

Well it looks like it was the ECM. Changed it out and she fired up and ran beautiful....