Why won't my 1987 Chevy Celebrity start it cranks but engine won't turn over?

Answer 1

The Fuel Pump is probably bad. I would remover your gas tank and pull out your fuel pump system and take it to your local auto parts store and see what they think. my truck was doing the same thing and i was just a simpal fuel pump that needed to be replaced i did it my self and believe me i am not mechanic and it only cost about 80.00$ if i would of had my local shop do it it would of cost 350.00$

-----------------------------

There are 3 areas to check...

First - check for spark - take off the easiest spark plug wire to get at off and put an old spark plug in and crank over the engine and see if the ignition system has spark. You should see a strong blue spark at the plug. It helps if you do this test at night. Remember to have the plug lying on th engine so it grounds and keep clear of the spark as it is very powerful...(about 50,000 volts) (also watch for the fan and fan belt.)

Second - check for fuel. take off the gas cap and have someone turn the ignition switch to the "on" position. You should hear a buzzing noise for 3 seconds. That is the sound of the fuel pump initalizing. (building up pressure). If no sound...check the fuel pump fuse to make sure it is OK. Still no noise then check the fuel pump relay...tap on it with a screwdriver handle. If nothing still then look for the fuel pump test lead and run a wire from that lead to the positive of your battery cable. If still nothing then the next step is to test the fuel pressure. If nothing ...then pull the tank and go to the parts store and get a new fuel pump.

Third. it is possible that you have a bad timing chain. If the timing chain is bad you will have spark and fuel but still a no start condition. The engine will sound "free" when you turn the key.

One other test that i am reluctant to tell you about is to spray starting fluid into the intake snoot. If it starts then you know you have a fuel problem...

The reason that i don't want to bring up starting fluid is because of the possible fire hazard...However it is a valuable test ...but please use caution. Also don't use too much - it isn't good for the motor.

One final thing that you can try is to hit the gas tank with a Baseball bat (if you don't hear the fuel pump running) sometimes the shock will get the pump going again. But the pump is going to die soon. The baseball bat trick ususally just works once or twice.

Hope everything works out for you !