Hey everyone,

My 1987 TPI Firebird Trans Am won't start. It cranks fine, and sometimes it feels like it's about to fire up (I can feel it trying to start), but it never actually starts.
The fuel pump wasn't working initially, but I've gotten it operational and can now hear fuel flowing. I may still need to rebuild the fuel pressure regulator - I've already ordered the parts, but since I'm in Europe, it'll take some time to receive them.

When I tried starting the engine with starting fluid through the manifold, it backfires heavily through the manifold.

Could this be a distributor timing issue? I should mention that I've never seen this car run since I've owned it, so I'm wondering if there might be a timing-related problem. Would making slight adjustments to the distributor (1/2 turn left or right) be a good starting point for diagnosis?

I've ordered the fuel pressure regulator diaphragm and plan to check the injectors next week, so hopefully the fuel system issues will be resolved soon.
I don't think my problems are related to fuel though as it will probably start on starter fluid, right?

I also tried to disconnect MAF and TPS and try to start it in "limp mode" but without success.

Thanks for any advice!

 

Unplugging sensors doesn’t diagnose or help anything. It’s hard to say if timing was off or plug and cap/wire conditions without looking at them or ohming plug wires. So the backfire could have been timing off or just an explosion back into the plenum. Start with basics. Check for consistency of spark, injector pulse with a noid light as well as fuel pressure test. If this engine has sat for along time you might as well contact southbay fuel injectors and get a set of injectors on order.

 

 

Thank you so much!
This is what I will start with and keep you updated.

I already bought pressure regulator diaphragm from Southbay. I will buy Bosch injectors locally as I think that will be cheaper and faster than buying it from them + paying local taxes + shipping.

 

You might run a compression test on the engine if it’s unknown before proceeding.
good quality Bosch , Lucas, or Delphi 22#hr. If not close to stock voltage offsets it could effect overall running .