Car wont start

[Vindingo]

I just got finished replacing a rear guibo and my fuel pump and the car isnt starting. the engine turns but i dont think it is getting any spark. when i pull the plug wires the isnt that poping noise. im thinking of getting a new cap and rotor just to start at the cheap end of a fix, but do you think it could be plug wires or a distributor problem? what else should i check for? thank you Vinny

[evilgidget]

This may sound really dumb but...
Have you checked the new fuel pump is working & that you're getting fuel to the injectors?

[Cobralfa]

Good day!

In the classic been-there-done-that mode, I once spent a week trying to get my '82 GTV6 to start, and went crazy (-er?); I had another to borrow parts from, and really got carried away switching coil, distributor, ignition box etc. I even had my neighbor use another car to try to push start it by driving it around the block (2800 RPM in 2nd gear even)- nothing!!!!

The symptom was no spark, and I was really getting a bit testy, having exhausted (I thought) all options, and finally had the car towed to a shop. The first thing the (real) mechanic did was put a charger on the battery, since it was getting a bit low from all of my well-intended cranking. Imagine my astonishment when, after about 20 minutes of quick-charging, it began to fire, and finally started!

The moral of this story, and simply my own conclusion, is that the Bosch L-Jetronic ignition system has an absolute lower threshhold (I believe it is 12.5 volts- mine will not start at 12.4), under which the system will not energize. So, in addition to making certain you have a strong battery, you should also check and clean all cable ends, clamps, and particularly ground (earth) straps.

Hope this helps!

Jim Barrett
Huntington Beach, CA USA

[Vindingo]

thanks for the replies! the fuel pump is working... i can hear and feel it working. how do i check to see if the injectors are getting gass? also great advice with the battery. i will try that tonight and see what happens.

Vinny

[Greg Gordon]

If you can feel fuel running through the return line out of the top of the fuel pressure regulator then the injectors are getting fuel.
There seem to be quite a few thoughts on how to test injectors to see if they are firing. The only way I have found that works well with the injectors on the car is too listen too them with an automotive stethescope. You should be able to hear them click open and closed very clearly.

[Vindingo]

so i got the car started.... battery charged , fuel pump replaced , rear guibo fixed...... now there is white smoke coming from the exhaust!!!!! please tell me this is because it was sitting for 2 months and if i let it warm up a little longer it will go away!

[Mottic]

That's likely her way of being pissed at you for neglecting her so long - take her for a nice, spirited ride and she may forgive..

[elite38868]

Ryan, I agree. My 6 feels neglected after just 3 days! I dont know what I'll do when I go to Europe for the summer!

Dont most cars have a white exhaust when its cold out and on a cold start?
It also has to do with the type of gas you use. I use premium only @ 76 or Shell.

[Roadtrip]

Is it white "steam" or real "smoke?" White smoke can indicate a coolant leak into the cylinders or a brake fluid being burned.

[elite38868]

okay, mine is steam, i dont know about his....

[Vindingo]

it was steam... the exhaust was out for a few days and in new orleans it can be 100% humidity and no rain! i guess it needed drying out. for some reason the car just feels weird though. the gas pedal seems really stiff and i have to push really hard to get it all the way to the floor, same with the clutch. on another note anyone have any stiffer rear springs and or yellow konis for sale?

[elite38868]

Sounds like someone has been away from their alfa for too long

Keep an eye on eBay. They have great deals on Performance parts and suspension parts.