87 Bonneville wont start
 

My 87 Bonneville just stopped running on me while I was driving on level ground. The engine cranks but wont start.
So far here is what i'v checked:

- Im getting a spark in the plugs
- there is fuel pressure in the fuel rail and I changed the fuel filter.
- there are no diagnostic codes reading other than code 12 (normal).
- all fuses are good
- can feel air coming out of the tail pipe while cranking

I can smell fuel after I crank the motor, but I know I didn't flood it.The air filter box got blown off while I was trying to start it due to air/fuel. What else could be stopping the car from starting? Cam sensor possibly?

Anykind of help would be great !

Does your car have a VATs? They generally don't shut down when driving. Do you have a security light, is it flashing or on steady? A crank sensor could cause it to shut down it it suddenly failed.

I had a similar problem a few years ago. In my case, it turned out that the timing gear broke (I think that's what it was anyways). After I got it repaired, the mechanic showed me the old one, and the gear was missing several teeth.

Before I got it fixed, the starter worked just fine, and it sounded like it was just about to turn over, but it never did. Hope this helps.

Trying to determin if its a timing problem or the fuel pump. When I turn the key to "accessory mode" I can hear the fuel pump buzz for three seconds or so. If it was shot would it still do that?
Is there a way to verify the timing gear is broke.. maybe open the oil cap and look to see if the lifters are moving?

Thank you for your help !

If your having a VATs problem, the fuel pump will prime, then shut off. As I asked before, do you have a VATs on the car? Is there a chip on your key?

Vehicle Anti-Theft System? Negative. And there is no chip on the key.

OK, first thing is to check for spark, pull a plug and lay it on a ground with the plug wire on and crank. Is there a spark? If yes, then test your fuel pressure. If no then check over the coils.

I have a spark, so I'll have to get the pressure of the fuel tested. Thanks for the replies.

After you get it tested you will need to check the filter, pump, or relay depending on what you find out.

I recently changed the fuel filter right after it quit running, so its good to go. So its either timing, a relay or the fuel sending unit.