Won't Start... AGAIN

[nj7000]

After storing the vette for 5-6 months, during winter, it won't start right away in spring. Last year this happened and once again, just when I want to get it out to do some maintenance, of course it doesn't start! It's only happened one other time that wasn't the first time in spring. I replaced the coil, and module inside the distributor. I also checked the the rotor was spinning inside the distributor, so what else could it be? :confused I replaced the plugs last year also, and I know it's getting fuel.

I have another problem which may or may not be related. If you listen to the exhaust it sounds like the engine is pulsing, it's sort of a patting noise. I'm really lost here, any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Stallion]

How do you know she's getting fuel? Maybe it's gummed up in there. Did you put any additive to stop that?

Maybe it's the starter?? Are you sure you are getting juice to the coil?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Have you done a compression test? All the fuel and spark in the world won't help if there's not enough squeeze!

 

[nj7000]

We looked down through the choke opening and we could see fuel coming in, and we also pulled out a plug and checked and there's no spark at the plug. Today we also replaced the distributer cap and rotor with still no luck! We checked the wire going into the distributer marked "battery" and there's power going into the distributer. Is it possibly a condensor, or another coil unside the dist. in addition to the ignition coil?? :confused

 

[brusso]

Her is a good site for checking an HEI dist.

www.chevelles.com/techref/ftecref5.html

 

[Robin7TFour]

NJ, you have narrowed it down to possible components in the HEI. the coil or the pick up. remove the top cover on the dist cap. look for grey (or black-ish) marks on the side of the coil. any discoloration will indicate a burnt coil. look on the underside of your old rotor too .if you see any spots then you know the rotor was bad also.
if the coil is clean and the dist turns while turn over the motor,the it's probably the pick-up piece in the base of the dist. to replace that you will have to remove the dist assembly from the motor . also the pin holding the drive gear will have to be removed.
well, that should get you father along in finding your problem.

best to you

ROBIN

 

[nj7000]

Robin, thanks much, I'll give that a try. I suppose it has to work because I'm not too far off from having replaced most of the tope of the dist. anyway! thanks again, I'll get everyone posted.

 

[afree]

Having the same problem with my '88 and was curious if replacing the pick up coil solved the problem?

 

[Rich80]

Robin, thanks much, I'll give that a try. I suppose it has to work because I'm not too far off from having replaced most of the tope of the dist. anyway! thanks again, I'll get everyone posted.

Same thing with my 80. I have replaced the module twice and the last time it was the pickup coil. In the Haynes manual there is a resistance value (In Ohms) you are supposed to read with an ohm meter.. Mine read zero or infinity which means its open. I just pulled the distributor, had someone replace the pickup coil, popped the distributor back in and she runs great. I actually timed the engine by ear and now it idles better and has better throttle response. I call that shear luck!!