ok, i have an 88 camaro 2.8. its a rebuilt engine and im having a problem starting it. My car starts when it wants to. It runs great when it starts. This has been going on for about a month. It seems like its getting no spark. It cranks and cranks, but wont turn over. I replaced the coil, everything worked fine for a while, but it just started happening again. I brought it to a shop and it started everytime so they had no idea what was wrong. When it sits overnight, it starts up fine with no problem at all. But if i drive it and then shut the car off, no matter how long i drive for, it takes a while to get it started again. Sometimes it takes a couple minutes, sometimes a couple hours. the past two times it's done this, i got a jump and it started right up. so i changed the battery and it still did this. so i have no idea whats wrong. im really clueless. The fuel pump turns on, cranks fine, just seems like there is no spark. i really need help with this, its my daily driver, and i need to take it back to school. thanks guys.
Chris


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88 Camaro
Rebuilt 2.8
T-TOPS
Flowmaster 80 series
Custom stereo system

 

Easy.
Coil is on the way out.
AND SO IS THE MODULAR UNDER THE CAP.
Did you rebuild the distributor as part of your engine swap project!!!
You Must.
Pull it out and rebuild it.
You'll have a wonderful running car after that project.
It's like getting 20+ HP for free!!
Because you are.
From your base HP situation before the distb. rebuild.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

The distributor is actually new. i tryed rebuilding it when i did the motor and it was so bad i couldnt. so i just got a remanufactured one. the cap, rotor, and pickup coil are all new. this happened a month ago and i replaced the coil and it was ok for a month, but now its happening again. i took one of the plugs out and it looked fine. my plugs and wires are also new. could this just be bad wires?? thanks for the help.

Chris

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88 Camaro
Rebuilt 2.8
T-TOPS
Flowmaster 80 series
Custom stereo system

 

Some of those reman distributors are garbage. I don't know what brand they are but I had one and instead of advancing the timing after 1500 rpm's it was RETARDING.

I've seen several 4.3L Astro vans with the same distrubutor that weren't getting spark at all. We replaced it with GM parts and it was all good.

I know you probably don't want to buy another distributor(cause it would be about $170 for GM parts ) but if you have access, here is what i would do:

1) When you think it's not gonna start, pull a wire and put a paper clip in it and set it near the frame and SEE if you are getting spark.

2) If you have a fuel pressure gauge, hook it up. You should have approx. 40-45 psi from the instant you turn the key on.

3)If you have a timing light(or access), disconnect the EST and rev the motor past approx. 1500 rpm. Your timing should advance and hold until you drop below 1500 rpm. If it doesn't advance or if the mark bounces back and forth, then your distributor is garbage.

EDIT: If none of these things show anything, I would replace the Ignition Module with a GM one. I thing they are like $50.

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-Dan
-1990 3.1L RS
-Mods? no
-Slow? yes
-*Slowly* collecting parts for T5 swap


[This message has been edited by CaliCamaroRS (edited November 24, 2001).]

 

Damn double post.

[This message has been edited by CaliCamaroRS (edited November 24, 2001).]

 

i never really thought about a bad distributor, but maybe that would explain why i have no power until i hit 2000 rpms. i always thought since it was new that it was fine, but i guess ill have to check it out. thanks for the info. ill try everything you said. thanks

Chris

 

don't forget to check the ECM, I went thru all, distr. all sensors, spend all lot of $, and no diff. finally a new ECM and every thing was fine again.

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www.marion-becker-nidda.de
91 Firebird 3.1
Modsynomax ultra flow stainless steel -americanracing rims (ar26) rear 15x8 255/60
front 15x7 235/60
www.members.aol.com/tramphorst/pontiacpics

 

The SPARK YOU WANT TO SEE JUMP THE PAPER CLIP MUST BE LIGHTENING WHITE BRIGHT.
IF Spark is BLUEISH in ANY WAY, you have ignition problem.
Good luck, yes, it is frustrating.


------------------
Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

I thought about a bad ECM. Is there any way i can check that to see if it is?? This is getting very frustrating. Thanks for all the help guys.

Chris