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89 305 TPI won't start up without ether ...

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Old 07-21-2017, 06:06 PM
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Car: 1989 Camaro-1LE
Engine: TPI(s)
Transmission: 5 speed (MM5, MK6)
Axle/Gears: 3.45, 3.73
89 305 TPI won't start up without ether ...

A no start seems to be a common issue. I'm stumped on this one.

89 305 TPI Camaro, auto, vats.

It will run and stay running if you give it a shot of ether. Sluggish idle response when running (feels like it would die if you open it up too far too fast).

Fuel pressure is OK.
No error codes.
Tried with VATS disabled PROM. Same condition.
Timing light blinking all the time when trying to start.
Battery good. Grounds checked. Fuzes checked.
Sensors check out ok. O2 was low when running (but not in line when starting the engine ... another thing to check later on).

Initially the ECM was done. Replaced that, got it to read data using tunerprort. All good there.

Ohms on the fuel injectors is all over the place. They vary greatly. Might be why they are not firing I suppose.

So ... curious if anyone has some leads to check. Wont' start without a shot of either. Stays running. VATS disabled. Most sensors, plugs are new. Feels like fuel injectors are not firing (but then fire up after ether).

(The car sat for 5+ years ... so having issues).

Mark.
Old 07-21-2017, 06:32 PM
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Re: 89 305 TPI won't start up without ether ...


Are the injectors multec oem?
If they are definitely replace them. The coils short out .

Last edited by Tuned Performance; 07-21-2017 at 06:35 PM.
Old 07-21-2017, 06:41 PM
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Re: 89 305 TPI won't start up without ether ...

Yes stock OEM multitechs. The Ohms range from 12, to 7 to 6 to whatever. Completely weird. On my own 89 Camaro ... they all test out at 17.1 or 17.2. Now the engine was warm so may need to retest when cold.
Old 07-21-2017, 08:07 PM
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Re: 89 305 TPI won't start up without ether ...

those multecs are crap....just saying. If the resistance is all over the place they need to be replaced
Old 07-21-2017, 08:30 PM
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Re: 89 305 TPI won't start up without ether ...

Originally Posted by southbay08
those multecs are crap....just saying. If the resistance is all over the place they need to be replaced
I would like to conclude that it is the actual problem vs. just a maintenance thing that should be replaced.

Mark.
Old 07-22-2017, 07:31 AM
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Re: 89 305 TPI won't start up without ether ...

Replace your injectors. Sitting for 5 years has probably varnished them.

Do you hear them clicking while running?

If it makes you feel better you could send them out to be cleaned and try again, but that could be a waste of money. Replace them.
Old 07-22-2017, 02:45 PM
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Re: 89 305 TPI won't start up without ether ...

Listen to each injector with a stethoscope.

But if the coils aren't testing within 1 ohm of each other with a good meter - they ARE bad. That is conclusive. The coils will not produce the same pintle force resulting in dissimilar flow rates.

Even just two or three years of sitting will usually kill them. I replaced a set of Accel injectors on a Vette that were 5 years old but sat for 3 due to a failed clutch on the car. Three out of eight didn't fire.

GD
Old 07-22-2017, 09:20 PM
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Car: 1989 Trans Am GTA
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Re: 89 305 TPI won't start up without ether ...

I can assure you it is the injectors, i just did mine last weekend. I used South Bay Fuel Injection's bosch replacements. Car runs like a top, and just a suggestion, do the fuel regulator while you have the plenum off.




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