Won't start after the battery was disconnected

[tooez]

I know I ask on another forum but no answer.


Well let tell how this came about. I have noticed that some time when I shut the car off, it would stay running. So I figured it was the timing was off. So today I set the timing where it was running the best. I read a post awhile back that I should disconnect the battery for a couple minutes so the computer will adjust to where the timing is set at. Well when I hooked the battery back up it will not start at all. I smell gas, so I know it getting some. I checked for spark. I got spark, but won't start. Now I'm lost at what could keep it from starting. Could I have messed something up by disconnecting the battery. Man I drive this car everyday and it always start. Any help, I will owe you one, or two. Thanks 1990 L98 auto.

 

[tnovot]

Just disconnecting the battery for a few minutes should not cause any problem.
I am assuming that it turns over but just won't fire? Something is now different than it once was prior to your work. Think carefully about what you did. Where do you get spark - all the way to the plugs or did you just check current ok to the distributor/coil? I would start by checking all wires, connectors, vacuum lines, etc on and around the distributor and any place else that you might have touched, leaned on, sneezed on, or looked at.
By the way, I could be wrong but I don't think that you would have needed to disconnect the battery in the first place for timing adjustment. The ECM is smart enough to relearn after 30-40 miles of driving. I think the disconnect thing is used to reset codes after repair and/or preventive maintenance work.

 

[Hrtbeat1]

Check the connections of the Distributor module. One of the harnesses that go to the module should be grounded to the dist. Mine mysteriously broke at the terminal after adjusting the timing. IIRC it took out the module in the process. Replaced both and has been fine since.

 

[tooez]

thanks guys I will look into tomorrow.

 

[Moonunit 451]

How far did you re-adjust the timing. what method did you use and what did you set it to? Did you follow proceedure for setting the timing?

The first thing I would think to do is set the timing back to where you started and see if it starts

 

[tooez]

Hey guys thanks for the imput. For some reason after pluging in the battery and I tried to start the car. It flooded the plugs out. I messed up and set the timing by ear, since I don't have a timing light. I got it running fine late last. I will go get a timing light today and set it right today. thanks guy.