Possible fuel delivery problem?

[Shovelhead]

My son has a '91 Camaro RS with a TBI injection. Lately, it started running really rough, and finally won't run at all. We recently put a fuel pump, fuel filter, distributor cap, rotor, ignition module, O2 sensor, plugs and plug wires in it.

Here's the symptoms: When you turn the key on, you can hear the pump (I verified that it was working by disconnecting a fuel line and turning the key - it fills up about a cup of fuel in about 1.5 seconds). The car will start and idle for about 2 seconds, and then it dies again. Eventually, after about 30 time of turning the key off and trying again, it MIGHT run for a while.

I'm pretty sure it's related to fuel delivery. Have you ever had symptoms like this?

Thanks in advance for any help!

[jagyro]

try checking your ignition. by arcing it. or spending the money on a multi-meter. maybe its not getting enough spark in there to ignite the gas. after you keep starting it does it have white smoke commin out? also try checking the fuel presure at the fuel rail i dont know what the pressure should be but its prety ez to find out from hannes or something.

[Shovelhead]

Originally posted by jagyro
try checking your ignition. by arcing it. or spending the money on a multi-meter. maybe its not getting enough spark in there to ignite the gas. after you keep starting it does it have white smoke commin out? also try checking the fuel presure at the fuel rail i dont know what the pressure should be but its prety ez to find out from hannes or something.

No smoke.

I've got a multi-meter. I'll check to make sure I'm getting plenty of spark. And, I'm off to the store to pick up a fuel pressure tester.

Thanks!

[Shovelhead]

Here's an update.

I tested the fuel pressure, and it pressures right up to 10 when you turn the key on, which is right in the normal range. The car will start up, and then the fuel pressure drops down to zero, and the car dies. The fuel pump never cycles back on after the intial turn of the key.

We replaced the O2 sensor yesterday. The fuel pump and fuel filter are new too.

Could this be an ECM problem?

Thanks.

[Shovelhead]

Final update...

It turned out to be dirty connections at the back of the distributor. The ECM expects ignition pulses from the distributor. If they are not present, the ECM never sends voltage to the fuel pump relay circuit.

Just FYI - check these connections first. It'll save lots of time, money, and headaches!