Hey guys, I have been having this issue for a while and I haven't been able to figure it out as it's hit or miss.

Turning key and the starter cranks for a long while before it would actually start. Once on the road and the RPMs get really low the car shuts off and now would not restart. I feel like it is not getting fuel. I can't remember if I can hear the fuel pump prime. I really feel that it is not getting fuel because I know it's getting air, I know the battery is good and the starter is cranking, and I just think there is no fuel for the spark.

Anyone have have any ideas on what else to check or have a similar issue?

 

This is not me but this is exactly how my car sounds when I'm turning the key.

 

Yeah a fast starter whine indicates no fuel. I would check your fuses and relays just to make sure before fully going all out on the fuel pump

 

That sir, is a car that has no compression.

 

Thank ranCRX!

And SpeedOfSmell are you also agreeing that it's fuel?

 

Turn key to number 2 position, verify pump is priming.

Verify you are getting fuel pressure by slightly listening the fuel line on the fuel filter with a 17mm socket. If fuel comes out when it primes you have pressure. (be safe about this, put towels around)

You can also disconnect the fuel return line on your fuel pressure regulator and hook a fuel hose that runs into a bottle, when primes if fuel comes out you have pressure.

Next check spark, remove all plug wires; ground each plug and crank look for spark.

If you have spark, fuel, and your timing is right it should start. Your timing may need to be readjusted.

Other culprits include a faulty main relay, fuel pressure regulator, fouled plugs, plug wires, or fault ignitor in the distributor.

Best of luck, just check one thing at a time until you find the problem.

 

Forgot to add, get a compression tester and run a compression test on all four cylinders if all else fails. It's good to know anyway, and compression testers are cheap I paid like 10 bucks for mine.

 

^^^^

 

Gonna have to go out on a limb here and say that an engine spinning that fast with a stock starter has no compression. Take your distributor cap off and see if your rotor spins. If it is in the same position, your timing belt snapped. Check your fluids. Make sure you don't have coolant in your oil or oil in your coolant.

Compression test, spark test, and fuel pump test. Turning the key on makes the check engine light go on and the fuel pump pressurizes the fuel rail. When the check engine light goes out, the fuel pump shuts off. Crack open a fuel line and it won't take much for it to start pissing out. It is under about 30 psi, give or take.

One or more of these is your problem.

 

Hey Guys thanks for all the ideas!

I've replaced the main relay with a known good one - No changes

I thought the fuel pump was not priming, so I replaced the fuel pump with a walbro 190 - No Changes

The Cap and Rotor were recently replaced and spark was checked on spark plugs by my mechanic. I've brought the car back as he hasn't figured it out.

I'm back to square one. You guys have listed some things I haven't tried so I'll get to checking each one.