So my z28 was trouble free till about a year ago. Have installed MSD distributor, factory fuel pump (have 200 ss tank & unit conversion), MSD coil, wires, plugs, electric water pump, exhaust w/o converter, hypertech chip & everything else is not important right now. Been idling rough once in a while when cold the few times I drove it. Finally got tires on it (old ones had a few to many doughnuts on them) and when I went to go take it out the rpms got to about 400 than I heard a small clunk. Nothing after that. cranks all day long w/o spit or spudder. Has comp, spark, fuel, inj pulse & air. Any ideas?

 

So if you have comp, fuel and spark, that only leaves vac and timing. Check out this link.

https://camaroforums.com/forum/general-tech-5/engine-missfire-no-start-diagnostics-troubleshooting-41933/

 

Thank you for your reply. I do have vacuum & it will not start on starting fluid. I was wondering if there was a way to check this MSD unit w/o removing it that anyone knows of or if anyone has had problems with them. I thought the computer does not affect timing atleast till rpms reach 700.?

I pulled out the adjustment screw and dont feel any adjustment happing when I probe the hole. The electric water pump makes pulling the dist off a pain. Also im close to the year mark with the warranty so I should probably just try to get it replaced.

 

Have had this car for seven years and the last two years have been testing my patience. I'm debating selling and buying 2011. I'm fed up with not being able to rely on it on trips so it just sits in the garage 99% of the time.

 

 

How strong is the spark? could be a weak spark, not enough to cause a burn - my thoughts after reading you cant start with ether. I would suspect the MSD as well.

 

I don't see any test in the diagrams for conditions with spark. It does have good spark coming and going to dist. Is the noob (me lol) missing something?

 

you want to check the spark at the plugs, take a spark plug out and hook the plug back to the plug wire, then ground the plug by holding up to the exhaust manifold, then have someone turn the motor over while you look at the spark at the end of the plug. should have a blueish color to it. you can also pick up a spark checker that will check the spark intensity.

 

It lights my noid light and a new plug but haven't tried a plug from the engine. I'll try that tomorrow and having someone help me check the dwell at the coil also. I'm keeping my fingers crossed to find something atleast. Thanks. wish me luck

 

if your getting good spark with a new plug then its probly not a spark problem. better take a couple plugs out and make sure there not fouled really bad. i had a similar problem right off the bat when i bought this car. got it home and the next morning it would not start. checked a plug and it was black so i changed em. started right up.