jagdprcp

I am about to purchase an '89 IROC 5.7L with TPI. It is not currently running and has been sitting for 5-6 years. I was told that it had been running rich and was hard to start. It got worse and worse until one day it would not start.

I may be new to this forum but I have been wrenching on old cars since the late 80's. This will be the first fuel injected car that I plan on working on myself however.

I know I need to flush the tank and lines to get rid of the gas that has been sitting in it for years. I also plan to replace the fuel filter before adding fresh gas and trying to get it started.

Beyond that, it will be the usual stuff such as oil change and tune up. But I am not sure what could be the cause of it not running. Any ideas on where to start or what could possibly be wrong? How would you go about figuring it out?

Skeeeter

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

How long is a piece of string ?
Use the same basics tests you use for a carb engine ; what are you missing fuel or spark ( or both )

Report back what you find
Once you narrow down the problem there are well documented diagnostics you can do to pinpoint the problem(s)

jagdprcp

Yeah, I knew that was a loaded question.... I was hoping that it would be a common thing... I'll check back once I actually have the car...

Skeeeter

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

They are plenty of " common " well known problems with lack of use or old age but we need to a bit more specific as to the problem area

TallTim

iTrader: (2)

Too rich - fuel injector(s) leaking? Search here on testing them. You will want to know your fuel pressure too.

Ransford2987

jagdprcp

Picked up the car today. Ran out of time today to do any work on it so I will go start working on it tomorrow.

Besides a fuel pressure guage, what other specialized tools would be recommended? I have most hand tools, a multi-meter and a compression tester already.

Thanks in advance,
Skeeeter

Vader

You should have the basics covered with your equipment. Having a service manual would be a time-saver, but most of the information is available online. like this one:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...ro-repair.html

jagdprcp

Good to know, thanks!
Downloading it now until I can get the real thing... Thanks again!

Skeeeter

jagdprcp

Got it to run for a 1-2 seconds by spraying starting fluid in the intake. It seems like it is not getting fuel. Will have to test the injectors next weekend since that is the only time I have to work on it.

Skeeeter

jagdprcp

Ordered a set of injectors from Southbay Injectors today. Still plan to ohm out the old ones to be usre but will install the new ones as soon as they get here.

I will also be getting a Fuel Pressure gauge and Noid light this weekend to test everything else.

Skeeeter

jagdprcp

Got my injectors today. That was fast! Hope to have it running this weekend!

Skeeeter

crazymex83

It might be a silly question but your fuel pump is priming, right? I know my car wouldn't start at first because of corroded fuse connections for the fuel pump. The fuse is right by the battery. I overlooked it because the fuse was ok, but the check engine light never turned on when cranking. After I fixed the connections the car started on the first try.

jagdprcp

It does prime but I haven't checked the pressure at the schrader valve. I am going to do that tomorrow as well as making sure the injectors are getting the signal to fire using a noid light.

Skeeeter

Tinbender59

Howell engine development http://howellefi.com/ sold a book that walked you through the TPI sensors and how to test everyone with a digital MM, If they no longer sell it, I have It and will post it for a sticky. BUT only if they do not still claim rights to it, I dont need to get sued.

jagdprcp

I ohed the injectors and found 2 that were low. One was 10.4 and the other was 5.4. The other 6 checked out at ~16.5 ohms. I replaced all of the injectors with the ones from Southbay. After a few cranks it started and ran.

It ran a little rough but then I realized that I forgot to connect the MAF plug. Once I hooked that up, it idled fine and ran great!

Thanks for all the help!
Skeeeter

jagdprcp

Here is my IROC: