I checked the noise for the fuel pump and didn't hear anything, so I replaced the fuel pump with a delphi unit. Still didn't start, so I checked to see if I had spark, and I pulled a plug and verified I was getting some spark... With the key in the run position, I checked for fuel pressure by pressing the schrader valve and I'd get an initial squirt, then nothing till I cycled the ignition switch again....

Could this be a fuel regulator problem? How do I know if the new pump is bad or if it's a regulator? What else should I be looking for?

 

Think the pump is fine. Define "some spark".

 

I pulled a plug, reconnected the wire and held it up against the exhaust manifold. I saw a bright yellow spark.

 

What is your fuel pressure?how long will it hold the pressure for?

 

Is this a distrbutor? I think the ignition is the issue. You should see a white arc, yellow or orange is weak.

 

I don't know. I need to get a fuel pressure gauge.

Distributor? I'm not sure. When I looked at what I thought was the distributor, I didn't see a conventional distributor cap... Looked like a metal plate with solid state components underneath. What am I looking at?

 

you might have coil packs vs a distributor... I can't remember when they did the switch.

does sound like your getting weak spark tho... should be more blue/white... but it sounds like fuel pressure is still in the running too until you can get at it with a guage.


:chug:

 

My fuel pressure is holding around 60 psi, so I'm pretty sure that's as it should be. I changed the cap and rotor and it's still not starting. I'm thinking maybe the pickup might be bad... I got a set of plugs too since it's been 100k since they were last changed...

 

I changed the cap, rotor and pickup and got it running! Pretty rough though.. I'm going to change the plugs and see if that helps.

 

Put a fuel pressure gauge on the rail and have a buddy crank the engine. the fuel pressure should jump around a little bit. The needle should vibrate is the best way to explain it. This will tell you if your even getting fuel past the injectors. Its possible that the injectors are not even working. If i remember correctly they all share a power circuit and it is a pink wire that should have 12 volts going to them. The wire will be powered at the run and start position on the ignition. If you have power to all of your injectors then id check if your injectors are being controlled. A little tool called the noid light will be your best friend. you plug it in to every injector connector and it tells you if your vcm/ecm is commanding the injectors.