I have an 86 Camaro with TPI.
It starts in half a crank when I shoot starter fluid into the intake.
It also runs good once started. It just wont start without the starter fluid.

I tested the fuel pressure and it seemed to be fine. My guess is that its not getting fuel while cranking.


My next guess was to replace the fuel injectors but that is BIG $$ for a guess.

 

Yeah, big money indeed. Dont just throw money at hope hoping to eventually find the problem.
what is the air temp where you are?
what diagnostic tests have you run?

Get a (clean) glass jar, like the size of baby foob. pump some of the gas into it, how does the gas look? clear? floating bubbles of water? Ice?

Run some tests first, I think you will be able to narrow it down then.

 

I have been messing with this for a while and the airtemp has fluxuated for 40-100deg. Last weekend it was in the low 60s.

As for tests. I checked fuel pressure and spark.
The comouter is new, destrib new, ignition switch new, relays are new, and the tires have air.

Im usually good at figurin stuff out but this is kickin my butt. I took it to a mechanic who was no help.

The fuel could be bad but if it was wouldnt it run bad all the time?

 

Well, not exactly. but I just had a thought, have you checked for vacume leaks?

How was the mechanic no help? meybe he was a no mechanic?

 

Another thought...can you hear the fuel pump priming when you turn the ignition key to the "on" position (not start)? A relay trips the fuel pump to prime the system initially, then switches off. After the engine is started, the computer keeps the pump running, not the relay. I'm thinking maybe your relay isn't relaying!

 

Camaro 69 - I came to a similar conclusion and replaced all of the relays a couple days ago. Just after installing the relays it started. I was freaken ecstatic I turned it off and ....it would no longer start….back to pissed.

Came back the next day and it started once again. It would not restart.

FYI nice car I used to have one of those. Loved that car. Im restoring an 80 Vette and housing a camaro that doesnt start at the moment.

 

Alrighty then, but....you didn't answer my question. Can you hear the pump prime for the first few seconds with the key on, then shut off?
And T.Y., btw!

 

Ya I can hear it prime. I also checked the preasure I forget the exact preasure but is was correct. Around 40psi and held preasure (no leaks).

 

Something else to look at:
In third gen cars the fuel pump has two power feeds, one through the fuel pump relay, and the other through relay contacts in the oil pressure switch. The pump relay provides power to the pump for a few seconds when the ignition key is turned on. Once the engine has started and the oil pressure rises above 5 PSI, the contacts in the oil pressure switch close and feed power to the pump. I believe this is a safety feature to protect the engine so that if the oil pressure fails, power is removed from the fuel pump.

 

pete - That sounds like a real good idea. So do I need to replace the pump or the oil pressure switch?