OK...Here we go... 86 z-28 with 305 tpi. Just changed the tranny out. When I put the car back on the ground, I went to start it, the fuel pump primed, but wouldn't start. The cap was loose and the screws were rusted to beat hell. I replaced the cap. After I put the new cap on, the fuel pump won't prime. I checked all the fuses under the dash...no blown fuses. Sprayed starting fluid in the intake and hit the key...NOTHING! This means no spark. If the wires for the pickup were backwards, would this cause the above problems? Thanks for all and any advice!

 

Nothing? Meaning what? It won't crank or it won't start but cranks?

It could be that while trying to start it, you flooded the engine. Take the plugs out and crank it a few cycles and make sure the plugs are clean and dry then reinsert and crank. If that doesn't work, post again and let us see what it could be

 

Sorry for the vague description. The car cranks, but will not start. If I jump a wire from the battery to the fuel pump relay, the fuel pump kicks on. Changed the relay...NOTHING! Today I'm going to pull the cap off and make sure everything is in order there. Maybe my wires are way off. Where is the number 1 plug wire go on the cap?

 

#1 should be in the front. Look at the plugs after cranking. Are they wet? If so you are having fuel. If you ground a spark plug and have the wire where it should be, see if you see a spark when you have someone crank for you. You sure you got the firing order right?

 

There is a wiring harness that runs along the bellhousing. You didn't pinch any wires between the block and bellhousing, did you? Also, did you reconnect the ground wires under the bellhousing bolts, there are usually 2 of them towards the top of the bellhousing.