Checked the oil and now it won't start

lsupcar · #1 07-04-2015, 10:57 AM

Well, a little bit more to it then that but not much.
Now it cranks good and strong but won't fire, like it is getting no fuel.
Before that, the car started and drove perfectly. Decided to check tire pressure. Then to check oil level. Then to check tranny fluid. Start car fine to do that. While it was running I hear a ticking sound like a spark jumping up near the alternator. I have heard this before many months ago and never found the source so thought I would look again. To get a better view I removed the belt shroud. Started the car back up and looked for a spark, even using a mirror to loot behind the alternator. Can't find it. Turn off car and replace shroud. Now car will only crank and not start.
I can't find any displaced wires or hoses and checked fuses 14 and 16 under the dash and they are fine. There is a "u" shaped hose to the left of the alternator coming out from under the intake manifold that in my search for a displaced hose or wire that I moved to to the side and it appears to have a loose connection to its attached pipe. I don't feel this is pertinent to the no start issue but may have to take care of that now.
I suspect it is a simple fix but I am now stuck as to what to check.
Any advice would be welcome.
Thanks.
Bill Z.
Ps. 92 lSL

lsupcar · #2 07-04-2015, 06:59 PM

Update with more info.
Removed the fuel line from the fuel filter, and with the key in "on" and while cranking fuel flows out rapidly.
Removed the electrical connector from one of the fuel injectors and with the key in "on" and while cranking there was 11.7 volts.
Still cranks strong but no combustion at all.
Bill Z

wdb · #3 07-05-2015, 05:07 AM

I have no specific advice, but if I had taken the belt shroud off and then replaced it and my car wouldn't start afterwards, I would be looking intensely at everything in that vicinity.

fasteract7 · #4 07-05-2015, 08:17 AM

Checked every fuse...? Connector going to alternator (not the top, shrouded ring connector..one on PS side of alt. ) not showing shorted, broken wires?

lsupcar · #5 07-05-2015, 11:40 AM

Thanks for the thoughts.
I only checked the two fuses I mentioned as I thought those were the only ones pertinent to starting the car. I guess I should just go ahead and check them all.
While I was looking around the alt. with the mirror the car remained running with no problems. Then wouldn't restart after I turned it off to replace the shroud. Is there a connector around the alternator that is messed up would allow strong cranking but no combustion? The PS side of the alt. was where I was placing the mirror so I will check that connection. Can you check for proper alt. function if the car isn't running, only cranking?
Thanks.

gwynethh · #6 07-05-2015, 08:21 PM

Would the plug connector to the alternator cause this (anyone)? The two wires there get very brittle. We found ours cracked and missing insulation while doing the alt. wiring update/mod. Got a fresh plug off eBay and replaced the wires with engine compartment rated wiring. Also sleeved the two wires for further protection.