1989 firebird 305 tbi 5.0, wont start.

[Kurrupt firebird]

i have a 1898 firebird, that stoped working on me after a cap n rotor change, after the change my starter went out and stuff just went out after that and now i cant get the thing to start i love this car and i really want to get it back up n running, here is what ive done to it so far and still no progress.

spark plugs
plug wires
rotor n cap
distributor
starter computer ( little thing under the cap n rotor )
map sensor
fuel pressure reg
fuel injectors
front seal and timing chain
water pump
O2 sensor
smog pump
coil
battery


i believe thats all but if i think of something else ill let you know.

it sounds great when i turn the key but will not start even with a little gas, also the distributor is loose, my neighbor loosened it so that he can turn it while i try to start it, dont know if that makes a difference.

im stumped i cant think of anything else to do at the moment.

[wrightz28]

Originally Posted by Kurrupt firebird

i have a 1898 firebird, .

Now THAT is an antique!!!!

Alright, all joking aside.........

So you turn the key to start and the engine will crank, just not catch?

My first thought was the distributer being out of position, which since your neighbor left it "loose" could very well be.

Anyhow, you initially did a cap and rotor change (reason?). Did it start fine after that until the starter died shortly there after?

[Kurrupt firebird]

yeah it will crank but will not catch, and i did the change becuase it was all original parts, and no it didnt start becuase somehow down the line i got 1 wire mixxed up so it didnt start, then my neighbor come over to see what was up ( built a race car ) and he noticed one wire was wrong so i got it all write then got it started it was real rough and the cat got red hot, i need a new one, fuel pressure reg went " bad" so it dumped too much fuel with caused the cat to get overly hot, after that and the fuel pres reg was changed i still cant get it to start again.

is this engine shot? should i just replace it ( not that i have the money to do so ) idk what to do.

[wrightz28]

I would first start with beeing 100%, no make that 300% the firing order is correct before doing or touching another thing.

Then, reset the timing (instructions are on the emission label).

Can't diagnose a car that isn't firing worth a lick.

[Kurrupt firebird]

so just to make sure that i do it right, just to be sure that i was told the right way to get the spark sequence right, could you plese explain howi would?

thank you =D

[wrightz28]

ehhh, run that by me one more time please.

[Kurrupt firebird]

i wanna be sure i was told the right way to achieve the proper firing order.

also sorry, and i dont believe i have the sticker, so how do i reset the timing.

( trying to get into UTI, so that i may learn some stuff and get working in an automotive workplace )

i love cars and eventually want to open up my own little shop, and smog shop =D