mark112089

Hi, I just got back from driving around for awhile. I have a 97 camaro ss. I was just waiting for my family to move their car so I could park my car, was sitting there about a minute or two and my car stalled. Tried to restart it, but I couldn't. I have another 94 z28 as my daily driver and it had the same problem, was the distributor. I'm not sure if it is the same problem or not, but that is my hunch. I was driving the car for about an hour and it was working great. While I was just sitting there, I noticed my idle was a little bit off, wasn't a good rhythm. Almost like a misfire, but I'm not sure of that. Is there anyway I could test my distributor without removing it first and also the rest of the ignition system possibly? thanks

mark

transamws6_97

iTrader: (5)

first i would check your coil which is easy to test, then check your plugs/wires. start testing w/ the cheap stuff first then move to the expensive stuff.

shbox

Start by checking for spark and fuel. Don't assume what is wrong.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

It got tired of waiting.

monster81

Stroked96Bowtie

iTrader: (22)

If its the distro...it will usually throw a code indicating such. Would check for codes and fuel pressure. Do you have a gauge on the fuel rail? Typically though if a fuel pump goes bad it will be hard to start (takes lots of cranking to start) for a while before it completely dumps out on you...

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

Usually only if the sensor goes bad. If your problem is with the cap and rotor you might get a P0300. But if the rotor up and detaches completely like it did with me, you won't get any codes, lol.

OP, like stated above, test your fuel pressure. Disconnect your coil wire from the opti and test for spark at the coil. If you are not getting spark I would suspect either a bad coil, ICM, or opti. If you get spark at the coil but are not getting spark to the plugs or getting intermittent/sporadic spark at the plugs, I would suspect your opti.

mark112089

thanks guys for the help I will check it out tomorrow when i borrow an obd2 reader and a multimeter.

mark112089

ok i got my friend to hookup his obd2 reader (elmscan) and it would not read anything from the ecu. It was almost like it was probing the car, but was not getting a valid response. Is there anyway I can check to see if I have a bad ecu? (besides the technique described in the haynes manual...tap it with your figures and see if it does anything...wow)

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

Check your PCM/IGN fuse in the fuse block under the hood (check them ALL while you are at it). Blowing that fuse will cause your car not to run.

djjab57

iTrader: (17)

as stated above i would start with the coil and ICM

mark112089

got obd2 reader to work no codes. checking icm, ignition coil and fuses now

mark112089

got it. line was disconnected from distributor that does to the ignition coil.

mark112089

thanks for all your help guys

shbox

That'll do it.

the_merv

iTrader: (88)

Yup..

mark112089

hey while reconnecting my coil, I noticed what looked like a vacuum inlet, but I do not know what it is for. It did not have anything attached. Should there be? It's right under throttle body and to the right slightly. uploading some pictures, sorry they are bad, they are only from my phone. One from afar and one a bit closer.


zoomed out


close up

Thanks guys, sorry I know this is probably a newbie question

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

Wow, they are horrible pics.

That appears to be the coolant passage though the TB. There should be another port on the opposite side unused as well. Most people bypass it to gain a couple average ponies.

mark112089

cell phone pics...my real camera i couldn't find the charger

mark112089

cool thanks ss