Car sat for almost two years because it needed brake pads, rotors, and a new exhaust manifold (I was broke). Now, I’m trying to get it all fixed up and the car won’t start.

First thing I did was to replace the battery and check all the fluids, then tried to start it. Wouldn’t start. Starter cranks nice and strong and nothing seems to be stuck of “frozen up.” Since then I have:

- Replaced all spark plugs with new, properly gapped, good quality plugs
- Replaced the PCV valve
- Checked (and reset) the inertia fuel cut-off switch.
- Replaced the fuel filter
- Verified that the plugs are indeed sparking.
- Siphoned out all of the old gas and put in 5 gallons of new gas.
- Tested all fuses under the hood and under the dash.

Except for a small crack in the exhaust manifold (made a little noise until the engine warmed up), car was running perfectly until I parked it. The first few months, I went out and started it a few times, after that the battery died and it sat untouched for over 1 year. (I was stupid, and didn’t know about fuel stabilizers)

I think the problem might be that the engine is not getting fuel. I’m pretty sure that the fuel pump is working because I hear it turn on (at least I think it’s the fuel pump) but I unplugged the fuel line from the fuel rail under the hood and nothing came out when I turned the key to “ON”… is that normal or is it a closed system or something that won’t work when unplugged? I don’t have a fuel pressure gauge to test it.

Any ideas anyone? …how to test the fuel pump, or other things it could be…

 

Try shooting a little starting fluid in your air intake, between the air filter and the throttle body. If it cranks for a few seconds and then shuts off your not getting any fuel. Start by disconnecting the line to fuel filter. If no fuel then you probably need a new fuel pump. If you have fuel rent a fuel pressure guage. Free loaner at AutoZone. Check for pressure on your fuel rail. If that all checks out try removing your injectors and soak them in gasoline with fuel injector cleaner mixed in.
If it keeps running then let it run and get good and warmed up before you cut it off. Buy yourself some fuel injector cleaner and run it through your tank. In your situation I would probably try to put a whole bottle in with a half or quarter tank to get a good cleaning.
All sounds like alot but you'll probably find your problem early on in these steps.

 

Will the Starter spin the motor and it just doesn't fire or Does it not even turn over? If it will crank just won't run check the main wire on the coil pack. Let me know what you find.

 

Old gas turns into varnish so the fuel pump pick-up could be plugged up. I would pull the pump and if it's not plugged up replace it.

 

Also: injectors gum up for same reason

 

pump should run and apply fuel under pressure to rail. it supposed to squirt out when disconnected.

 

Follow up:
I disconnected the fuel line at the fuel filter and turned the key to "ON" several times and even turned the engine over. No gas came out, so it looks like the reason the engine doesn't start is definately the result of not getting any gas. I tested the voltages at the connector to the fuel pump, and it is getting power. I think the fuel pump is dead.

I've already removed the gas tank (what a pain)... I'm having trouble getting the fuel pump out of the tank though. I removed the screws but the plate is stuck to the tank. Anyone know the secret or have a trick to removing it?

jpacetti - good ideas. I actually tried to rent/borrow a fuel pressure gauge from three different auto parts stores around town, including Auto Zone. Nobody loans that tool. I've got half a bottle of injector cleaner I will add to the tank once I get the car started.

2000Nasty232 - Starter cranks the engine over great.

MantaDreams - Thanks for the confirmation...

 

Great idea.... I'm going to check this before I buy a new fuel pump. How do I know if the fuel pump pick-up is plugged... this would be as simple as looking at it?