Expert: Kevin Lawson - 11/21/2010

Question
Cavalier sputtered a few times then just quit.  Engine will turn over but not start.  Fuel pump wasn't buzzing so I replaced it.  Also replaced fuel pressure regulator and plugs.  I have spark in all plugs and fuel pressure although I don't know how much pressure.  If I put small amount of gas in carb it will sputter then quit.  Are there any sensors that could be bad or switches that need to be reset after changing fuel pump?  

Answer
Did you try starting it with your foot on the gas? Sometimes the idle air control motor can go bad and it will not start at idle. It will only start with the gas pedal depressed a little. If that isn't it, I would look at the timing. I ran across one the other day that did the same thing and the timing had jumped. Bring it up on Top dead center and pull the valve cover. If the marks on the cams and the crank don't line up, you jumped time.