Expert: Roland Finston - 7/7/2011

Question
Can get her to start only by putting a few drops of fuel in the Fuel Injection intake but only for a few seconds then it just stops.
10 years in storage, replaced battery, plugs, topped up all liquids, put in about $20 of gas and system cleaner. Not sure what else to try, I hear a fuel pump I think when turning key (if I have to clean or replace the pump though nobody on this planet seems to know where it's located). My guess is fuel just not getting through the lines? Any advice appreciated.
(I tried to see any "flashing" diagnostic with the on/off/on/off/on 5 second thing but can't see anything flashing. fyi)

Answer
Hi Glenn,
As I read the '86 manual you can't get codes using the key. A plug-in code reader is needed that attaches to a socket in the engine compartment near the driver side shock tower. A Snap-on or similar tool with the matching plug that is set up for OBD-I codes will need to be used.  
I suspect the pump is OK, it should come 'on' for a second when you turn the key to run position. Then it starts up again when you try the starter and stays running if you get it to catch and run. It is located inside the tank, at the rear of the car, so listen for the 1 second hum from that location.
You can check for fuel pressure by opening the gas line that feeds the injectors.
I would suggest that you check the egr valve which is located on the back side of the engine where it is attached to the exhaust manifold near cylinders 1 and 2. It has pipe that connects it to the intake manifold near the throttle body. The most common problem is when the valve stem get gummed up and faild to close tightly via the internal spring action. It has a round vacuum operated solenoid on the top, the valve body attaching to the manifold, and in between those two parts is a flange inside of which is the valve stem. That rod had a slot into which the tip of a screwdriver can be inserted to move the rod. See if it is hanging up and not closing to a dead stop on it own. Then spray some WD-40 on the stem where it enters the body of the valve. Then work it back and forth to get it loosened up. If that were sticking ajar it leans the mixture too much so that it won't idle.
Other than that see if you can borrow a code reader because throwing parts at the engine without any fault code data is going to be expensive and frustrating.
Roland
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Roland