2CarPros - Car Questions & Answers

1991 Pontiac Sunbird Repair Question


Topics covered: Spark, Fuel pump, Carburetor.
Mileage: 50,000 miles.

Asked on October 20, 2011

Car won't start - I think the carburetor needs to be cleaned.

My car will not start. When I attempt to turn it on, it tries to start but doesn't get there. The starter was replaced about three months ago. The battery is new and all the electrical components come on. The spark plugs spark. My friend attempted to fuel inject it but it still did not start. My friend, who has basic knowledge about cars, said that the carburetor may need to be cleaned. I bought the supplies and did a lot of research but most of the research said to use the carburetor cleaner while the car was running. well, my car will not start so I did not want to try that and make the problem worse. Please help.
Avatar Asked by xtnaphil

Answer

Replied on October 27, 2011

**Cranks but no start condition:

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem,Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if so, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs,coil's resistances,distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it.

Tiny Answered by rasmataz
68 questions asked