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1980 Pontiac Firebird wont start :'( HELP

Tiny
FEDORAHAT
  • MEMBER
  • 1980 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
  • 4.9L
  • V8
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 82,350 MILES
Okay so heres the story
just got a 1980 firebird 301 4 barrel carb 4.9 (not turbo) auto trans. Original 82000 miles rust free running driving car. No problem at all. A week ago I added an alarm with an old 1960s siren to the car at a auto shop. Drove the car back to the garage, parked it, done. 3 days later I go to start it and it doesn't wanna start. Changed the module on the distributor, just cranks. "Fuel starter" in the carb, no hesitation at all, so its not a fuel problem. Changed the spark plugs and wires, nothing. Checked to see if there's spark to the spark plug 'YES" there is. Went to the auto shop to get info on what they did quote "we got the power straight from the battery" confirmed (checked it myself). Recent high performance oil change and its clean. The car just turns over from cranking just find but theirs not one bit of hesitation or signal/warning that its trying to start.

The firebird still has the original capacitor, terminal block, rotor, main shaft, cap, coil and pole piece on the distributor.

What can it be?

I don't believe its timing since I never adjusted/played with the distributor or balancer.
I still think it might be something in the distributor thats causing it to go off its timing but what?
Ill play with it a bit more but might need to buy a new distributor on ebay or so.

The car was running really good up until I parked it.

please help, Any info would be soooo grateful

thank you
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Saturday, May 31st, 2014 AT 7:22 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,189 POSTS
Since the problem started when the alarm was installed, I would think that it has something to do with that. I assume that there is no spark to the plugs since you are getting fuel, correct? Was the anti theft system designed to prevent the vehicle from starting?
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Saturday, May 31st, 2014 AT 9:10 PM
Tiny
FREEMBA
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,152 POSTS
Purchasing a new distributor will not help your situation, since the present distributor provides a spark, there's nothing wrong there.
Clarify this; when you said ""Fuel starter" in the carb, no hesitation at all, so its not a fuel problem." Do you mean the once you sprayed the "fuel starter" into the carb. The engine started and ran? (If that's the case, your problem would be fuel related.)

Just as a reminder: the engine need FUEL, a SPARK at the right time, and COMPRESSION in order to run. Fuel and spark you have, check compression and engine timing.
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Sunday, June 1st, 2014 AT 6:03 AM
Tiny
FEDORAHAT
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I sprayed fuel starter into the carb but no hesitation or it even trying to start. The timing of the engine was never played with. I will check for compression but the engine was running almost perfect up until I parked it. I will recheck my sparks and plugs and make sure I didnt make a mistake. Thanks very much
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Sunday, June 1st, 2014 AT 12:36 PM
Tiny
FEDORAHAT
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I disconnected the alarm and relay and still nothing. The alarm is for the doors and hood only. Nothing for the ignition or cutoff power. Thanks for the reply
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Sunday, June 1st, 2014 AT 12:39 PM
Tiny
FEDORAHAT
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have a spark tester and when cranking the car the "tester"(installed into one of the spark wires) shows a light on it that its stating that it has power going to the spark plug. Im going to check compression and inside the distributor. Thanks
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Sunday, June 1st, 2014 AT 12:46 PM
Tiny
JHOBKIRK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
My auto shifter is locked up too.
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Monday, November 22nd, 2021 AT 6:30 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,189 POSTS
Hi Jhobkirk,

I noticed you indicate the shifter is locked up too. What is happening with the vehicle? Let me know as much as you can so I can better help diagnose the problem.

Also, if it isn't the same year, make, and model as listed at the top of this thread, let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, November 22nd, 2021 AT 8:04 PM
Tiny
JHOBKIRK
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hey Joe. Yes, 80 fire 301 non turbo. Ran like a champ after new intake and carburetor caskets. Carburetor rebuild. Suddenly won't start. I know it's getting gas. Remembered an old Jeep I had (neutral safety switch) found that my shifter won't come out of park.
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Monday, November 22nd, 2021 AT 8:09 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,189 POSTS
Hi,

Okay, I just went through my manuals and because of the model year, I have basically nothing. Tell me this. Does the starter engage? Have you checked all fuses? The idea that the vehicle won't come out of park sounds like a park lock issue. Are the brake lights working?

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021 AT 5:07 PM

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