1991 Laser will not start-need to get it home!

[dsmbob]

Got a "new" Plymouth Laser to use as a donor car, but the car will not start.

1) the battery is good
2)the alternator is good
3) the starter is good

The car has a manual transmission-turns over but will not start.

Where is the next place to look for problems?

Spark plugs, fuel injectors, engine timing, electrical system, etc

Suggestions are needed to help me get the car home.

BTW-the car has 170,000 miles on it-original engine.

Please reply back.

 

[qwall]

Where is the next place to look for problems?

Spark plugs, fuel injectors, engine timing, electrical system, etc

 

[gritsak]

first thing ide do is check the plugs..if they are really bad sometimes it wont start...if they look ok make sure you are getting spark..if you are then make sure you have fuel pressure..and if you do then make sure the injectors are firing..

 

[dsmbob]

first thing ide do is check the plugs..if they are really bad sometimes it wont start...if they look ok make sure you are getting spark..if you are then make sure you have fuel pressure..and if you do then make sure the injectors are firing..

Fuel pressure-the car has a full tank of gas and it turns over. How can there be a problem here?

As far as finding a spark, I was given this point also by a friend I work with so I loos like this is the first step to take. I have changed the plugs on my car before so this will not be a problem to repeat on the donor car.

Looks like the injectors are the next thing after the spark plugs to check for a problem.

 

[gritsak]

Fuel pressure-the car has a full tank of gas and it turns over. How can there be a problem here?

since when does having a fuel tank of gas and the car cranking mean your getting fuel?..unless you are running a mechanical fuel pump then just because the car cranks doesnt mean the fuel pump is working.

 

[dsmbob]

since when does having a fuel tank of gas and the car cranking mean your getting fuel?..unless you are running a mechanical fuel pump then just because the car cranks doesnt mean the fuel pump is working.

I had not thought about the fuel pump as a possibility-Thanks.

 

[mitsutuner]

Look at any spark plug after you try to start it it. If you seen wet unburned fuel, you know the pump is working.
Fuel, spark & air are the 3 things you need to start the car. Find out what's missing & why it's usually either fuel or spark.
There are countless other possibilities on a donor car that you don't know the history of, similar to Rumsfeld's "unknown unknowns" but use the process of elimination to find out what you have & start with the basics.

 

[lowavenger96]

Check your temp sensor they will cause a no start condition .

 

[dsmbob]

Okay, thank you-I'll check it out.