ETA from No Crank to Start Wont Run

[jeffnhiscars]

This should be fun cause its probably one of the more challenging diagnostics Ive done. I bought a no crank 87 ETA (auto trans) which was resolved after cleaning up the starter and some wiring. However, it will only run for 1-2 seconds then dies. Bentley says the most common causes are sticky barn door, large vacuum leak & faulty cold start valve.

Fortunately, I have Alice, the Time Capsule here which is also an 87 ETA that runs flawlessly. Here's the list of parts I swapped back and forth keeping in mind I didnt just put the known good part in the non runner but I put the unknown part in Alice to confirm it worked:

AFM
ICV
ICM
ECU
relays (main, fuel & all in the fuse box)
FPR

Items tested:

fuel pump volume tested at the FPR 100%
Spark is good, put in new NGKs anyway
Continuity between terminal 3 on the barometric connector #3 & the fuel pump relay 86
12v at the above with the key on (so injectors are getting power)
coil
Thermotime Switch
Cold start valve
TPS removed, drilled, cleaned & adjusted. tests 100%

New
Battery
both reference sensors

I'm sure Im forgetting a few things but at this point Im pretty convinced the injectors arent firing since I cant find that one vacuum hose that Im sure is not connected (its never than simple is it). With good spark, a confirmed ECU and 12v to the injectors the only things I can still think of is the wire from the speed sensor to ECU 27 and from ECU 14& 15 to the injectors.

I do have the 87 Electrical Service Book the Bentley & Prospero's laminated color wiring diagrams.

Stay tuned

[jeffnhiscars]

Thanks to a tip from ace mechanic ragtope30 (aka Matt) I pulled the fuel rail and test fired the injectors...zero. The cold start valve fired so we had fuel and after taking a test light to the injector harness I confirmed that the ECU is firing...hence plugged injectors from the car sitting for an unknown period.

I'll be pulling the rail from Alice to confirm how the new car runs then she gets a new suspension, dash,exhaust and whatever else she needs and Alice goes under the knife for her 731/motronic upgrade

[jeffnhiscars]

I threw in the injectors from the Alice and the rescue fired right up and sounded great (blown muffler notwithstanding) !!

Whats interesting is that I tested both sets of injectors in the rails and ignored the advice to hold a piece of cardboard in from of them to check the pattern. You really cant see the spray otherwise.

Onward