Wooo, crank it up!!!

[sandman]

Hi Gang, I need some advice on my 1991 coupe. There are times that when I get in my car that it will crank but won't start. I have not checked anything yet. I don't know where to start. I parked it last night and everything was ok. We had a rain storm last night and I went to get in my car at 5am this morning to go to work and I turned the key and it cranked over real strong but it did not start I'm not sure if it is getting spark or it isn't getting any fuel. I bet when I get home from work it will fire right up. I am going to check the spark when I get home. Could it be a coil, bad rotor, fuel filter(where is that). I know it has new fuel pump. Calling all. Thanks
p.s. could it be something with the alarm lockout?????
Sandman (Rob)

[85vette]

May be moisture in the distributor cap?? Does this happen only after it rains?

[gmjunkie]

Make sure that your Key is clean and spray some contact cleaner on the contacts in the column!! Or try another key!!! I bet the contacts are getting worn or dirty and the Vats pellet is not getting contact!!

[sandman]

Well it did rain a lot last night but I have had it happen during normal weather conditions. I was also thinking maybe it is the built in security system? Could that be a problem? The last time it happened I waited about 20 minutes and it fired right up?!

[gmjunkie]

Originally Posted by sandman

Well it did rain a lot last night but I have had it happen during normal weather conditions. I was also thinking maybe it is the built in security system? Could that be a problem? The last time it happened I waited about 20 minutes and it fired right up?!

Thats what I was talking about in the above post!!! Sometimes you'll have to have a new pellet put in the key because it slowly wares down,and sometimes you have put a new Tumbler in it because the contacts wear down in the switch!!! Sometimes you can just clean them and all is well!!!!

[sandman]

Originally Posted by gmjunkie

Thats what I was talking about in the above post!!! Sometimes you'll have to have a new pellet put in the key because it slowly wares down,and sometimes you have put a new Tumbler in it because the contacts wear down in the switch!!! Sometimes you can just clean them and all is well!!!!

Gotcha thanks, I am assuming I can get the pellet from only the dealer? Might be a stupid question. I have had 'Cudas in the past. HeII My 'Cudas didn't even need a key.

[gmjunkie]

Originally Posted by sandman

Gotcha thanks, I am assuming I can get the pellet from only the dealer? Might be a stupid question. I have had 'Cudas in the past. HeII My 'Cudas didn't even need a key.

Actually you can get them at Lock and Key shops too!!

[sandman]

Thanks GM I will try to get a new one.

[ynkedad]

Originally Posted by 85vette

May be moisture in the distributor cap?? Does this happen only after it rains?

I'm a Firm believer of the process of elimination. I start with the easiest (and usually the cheapest) stuff first, working my way up.

The easiest being in this situation, IMO...would be pop the cap wipe the inside down, get a blow dryer and blow it dry for a few minutes (till the moisture is gone). then re assemble and try her again.


It doesn't cost you a thing!!!

[gmjunkie]

Originally Posted by sandman

Thanks GM I will try to get a new one.

I'd try cleaning the Key and Contacts in the switch first,before I bought one!!!! Most of the time that will fix them!!! But if they get to doing it allot,you may have to go to another plan!!
Yeah it could be moisture in the dist. cap but I doubt it!!! A cap just wont dry out by it's self in 20 min.!!! But the vats system will reset itself in 10-15!!!
If you don't have any contact cleaner,use rubbing alcohol to clean the pellet and a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts in the ignition tumblers!!! You can see them there right at the top just inside where you put your key in!!!! PS.Don't get in there to deep and loose part of your cotton swab or you will have to dig it out with a pick!!! Bet that fixes it!!!