1988 Pontiac sunbird wont start even though it turns over and wants to

[Cathy A]

start? I took out the battery to help a friend start his car, can't rmember if my car was running or not. Now it turns over and acts like it wants to start but won't. I've checked all the wires to the terminals and all looks okay. I'm getting fuel threw the lines not sure if I am to the carburator though. Is there a reset button anywhere that I can use to maybe get it to start?

 

[tapc101]

No reset button...

To get your car to start... you need gas to the carb... but you also need a spark... Thats where you distributer comes in.

It could be that your timing is off....

 

[Wayne]

Have someone take off the gas cap and put their ear close to the filler opening, and listen for the fuel pump engaging. If you don't hear a brief "hum" when the key is turned, then it may be your fuel pump.

If you are sure you are getting fuel, then you might try sticking an object, maybe a pencil in the choke to hold it open while you crank the engine. Just make sure no one has there hand near the carb when you do this, as there may be a split second flame that will erupt from the carb. Don't worry, this is normal.

If you still don't figure it out, one more thing you can try is putting a little gas in a spray bottle, and while you are cranking the engine, have someone spray a couple times into the carb, this will prove whether or not it is a fuel flow problem.

 

[Arnon]

Wow! Where did you get a carbureted '88 Sunbird.

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[schampoo2002]

your car started ok before you took the battery out right. Then you haven't tightened the battery cables enough to get the GOOD connection that you need. Or you drained the battery too much now by starting your buddies car now you don't have enought juice to start your own. If you got your buddies car to start then just use his car to start yours. KEEP ME POSTED