1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

85 GSL wont start

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Old 01-27-10, 10:54 PM
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85 GSL wont start

Ok, I've been searching for an answer for days and can't seem to find what I'm looking for. My car wont start and I cant seem to figure it out. It cranks up but just wont turn over. Every time I try to start the car the voltage drops pretty bad so I checked the battery and the alternator. Both are good. I have a new alternator and starter, and the battery has been charged. I was looking at fuel pump or filter, but I'm not sure. After searching I started thinking about a fuel pump rewire just to be sure and for future issues. Any insight would be nice
Old 01-27-10, 11:16 PM
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If the voltage is dropping significantly, it may be due to bad battery cables or an excessive draw by the starter. Also check the plugs and timing.
Old 01-28-10, 07:36 AM
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The plugs are good. Just changed them.
Not sure how to check the timing, but I will see what I can find
Old 01-28-10, 09:13 AM
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Originally Posted by smoothd
It cranks up but just wont turn over.
wtf does that even mean?? does the starter spin the engine but just wont start up and run?

Every time I try to start the car the voltage drops pretty bad so I checked the battery and the alternator. Both are good. I have a new alternator and starter, and the battery has been charged. I was looking at fuel pump or filter, but I'm not sure. After searching I started thinking about a fuel pump rewire just to be sure and for future issues. Any insight would be nice
what did u use to check this voltage drop? how did u check the bat and alt? places like advanced and autozone will check these things for free. they can put a draw on the bat to see if it will hold the necessary amps to start the car, something u can't do. same with the alt. make sure ur getting fuel and have spark.
Old 01-28-10, 09:17 AM
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^ He might've saw on his voltmeter in his car if he has a SA dash that when he cranks it over the voltage drops.
Old 01-28-10, 10:35 AM
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This is the KISS method that I live by when fighting "no start but cranks" issues.

1. Check for Fuel
2. Check for Spark
3. Check for compression

Oh yeah have a fully charged battery while troubleshooting.
Old 01-28-10, 12:06 PM
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I have a brand new alt and the battery was tested at sears. the battery is good. It will spin, but wont turn over.

Now I'm getting a buzzing from the fuel pump when I turn on the accessories.
Old 01-28-10, 09:11 PM
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After checking everything twice, I found the router to the distributor cap was slightly cracked somehow and I wasn't getting a full spark to one of the lines.

The fuel pump pressure was low so I replaced it anyway. So after the part comes in tomorrow I hope to have a running car.
Old 01-29-10, 06:40 AM
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Originally Posted by smoothd
After checking everything twice, I found the router to the distributor cap was slightly cracked somehow and I wasn't getting a full spark to one of the lines.

The fuel pump pressure was low so I replaced it anyway. So after the part comes in tomorrow I hope to have a running car.
Good stuff! Always remember the "KISS" method man.
Old 02-06-10, 10:47 AM
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one problem after the next

My 85 GSL still wont start.
Here's the run down:

1. Car ran fine all day then the next morning it just wouldn't turn over. It was cold and it had some problems starting when it was cold a month before. Gave it a day and still nothing.

2. In the process of trying to start it I flooded the engine. Bought some sea foam and still nothing.

3. The fuel pump was sounding weak so installed a new one with filter. Still nothing.

4. Went through the check list and found no spark coming from one of the coils to the distributor cap. Checked the coils and they were fine. Changed the wires and plugs just to make sure.

5. After some testing found that possibly the ignighters or the pick-ups may have gone bad. So changed out the whole distributor. Still nothing

6. Tried the sea foam again and this time the car starts right up...feeling good...then it dies and then it wont turn over again.

7. Try some more sea foam and it starts right up. Now I'm lost.

Thinking I'm not getting fuel to the carb now. What else can I check or is there something I'm missing.
Old 02-06-10, 03:35 PM
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Does your tachometer move when you are cranking the engine over?
Old 02-07-10, 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Rx-7Doctor
Does your tachometer move when you are cranking the engine over?
Yes.

I finally got it running. And shes running smooth
Old 02-07-10, 08:45 PM
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excellent!!
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