Turns over but won't start

TALLCANADIAN

MEMBER
1989 GMC JIMMY
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
75,000 MILES

I have a full size jimmy with a 350 engine. The motor turns over, there is spark at the plug. The fuel pump does make it's usual sound when turn on the key. I even poured gas straight down the throttle bottle but it still won't catch. It's -16 celcius here but it's been colder, so I can't see it having any ice in the gas. I used it sunday but this morning it won't fire up. Any help would be appreciated.

8 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Is it possible fouled spark plugs
I would remove and replace the spark plugs

bad gas !

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Monday, January 26th, 2009 AT 5:00 PM

TALLCANADIAN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Spark plugs are new. Wires are not new but seem to be okay. If the fuel pump was bad would it still make it's usual hum sound. Also I noticed when I drove it saturday it did stumble a bit once but was fine the rest of the day. Thanks.

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Monday, January 26th, 2009 AT 5:06 PM

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

It is possible to be bad fuel pump
yes it is possible for it to be working and not giving out the pressure needed

see the thing is when put gas down the throttle if it was a fuel issue it should ve starter a bit

but in your case it didnt
you said you have spark
if the spark weak reaching the plugs on a cold day they will foul
reason for me to remove at least one and check
need to have a strong spark at the wire spark plug side
check for a fouled plugs
make sure u have the air filter and cover on
hold gas paddle all the way down and crank the engine to start
good luck

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Monday, January 26th, 2009 AT 6:04 PM

TALLCANADIAN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Fooled around with the truck a bit. It is getting gas and spark. Although I have no way of measuring either. I took the distributor cap off just because, and the rotor and cap were well worn, corroded. I replaced those but still won't start. I also took all the plugs out and check them. They are all burning the same and are not fouled or bad. Any other help would be appreciated.

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Sunday, February 1st, 2009 AT 6:52 AM

TALLCANADIAN

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I've been trying to check my timing chain but when I bring the timing marks together I notice that the distributor does not point at number 1 but looks like number 3. Is this the answer that i'm looking for? Timing chain? Thanks for the any help.