1990 2.6 Amigo. It gets fuel up to the rail, all 4 cylinders have spark and I just tried a new alternator. Still won't start, occasionally it will run for a split second before it dies. I'm thinking it may be too low fuel pressure, but the pump is only about 4 months old. When I was changing the alternator I noticed the oxygen sensor had worked its way loose and was basically just hanging from the hole, but I assume that wouldn't keep it from starting up. Looking for possible ideas before I drop the tank again.

Hey, where in WV are you?

Anyway, I'd go ahead and tighten the O2 sensor and change the fuel filter. Do you have a fuel pressure guage to check with? It very well could be a pressure problem.

Joe

Did you have the distributor out?
If so, I'd double check to make sure it's in right.
Because of where it's at, it's kinda tight and difficult to get it in... it is possible that you got it off a tooth.

Some more info might be handy. Are you just rebuilding this engine or has it been sitting and you are just now trying to get it going? What's the recent history as to why it isn't running before now? That info will aid someone in diagnosing the problem..

I live in Dunbar, slightly west of Charleston. The fuel filter is only a few months old and its getting fuel to the rail.

I haven't done anything to the motor recently. I pulled it in the driveway to wash and wax it. Later that night when I went to move it, it felt like it was running on about 2 cylinders for a few seconds and then it just quit. Running perfectly up until that point.

First thing I would check is fuel pressure. If that's O.K., then you can eliminate the fuel system. Well, almost. You're getting fuel to the rails. What about the injectors? Can you hear them cycling? It's not likely that all of the injectors would fail at once, so if they are not working, it's probably and electrical problem. I suppose they get power from the computer. Someone else can chime in if the injectors aren't working.

I would think you have an electrical problem somewhere since this started after you washed your car.

Although, if you got water in your gas tank, that would definately cause problems.

Hope this helps. Good Luck and keep us posted.

I used to live in Kanawha City. Small world.

I'd check the fuel pressure. Fuel isn't fuel unless it's at the correct pressure.

Joe

My in-laws live in Kanawha City now. I'm going to borrow a gauge and check it on Friday. I appreciate the replies.

Welcome to the wire if you haven't been formerly welcomed. This is a great place to get some good info, and meet some pretty cool people.

You'll have to make the trip down to Uwharrie if you are into offroading your Zu. We go down three times a year; spring, summer, and a fall trip. I don't go in the summer(too dang hot) but it's a good time and some pretty decent wheeling.

Joe

Everyone keeps talkin' fuel, no one's mentioned air.
You need air in, and a clear air path out.
Along the way, it needs to be compressed.

If it used to run, I doubt compression in all four chambers went incredibly bad at once.

Try with the air filter cover on. Can you feel any air going in?

Fuel
Air (inc. path for exhaust)
Compression
Spark

If you got all 4, it's a good question.

It is highly unlikely that the pistons went bad all at once, but it could have happened. On our ATV, i was comming across the field to come home then all of a sudden it just bogged down. Got home and it stalled out and never restarted. Took it to the dealer and found the piston had a nice hole in it. The thing was, there was no loud bang or weird noise just an incredible loss of power then when it stopped running, it never restarted. Still highly unlikely, but within the realms of plausible. Goodluck and let us know your findings.

Dan