Well here is the lastest on my 91 RS. Found out that I needed to adjust the timing after I replaced the timing chain. I was told by one of the service reps at autozone that in order to re-set the timing I would have to bypass the ICM (computer). According to him this is accomplished by disconnecting the EST bypass. Then the timing can be adjusted by rotating the distributor and then re-connected after the engine is turned off. Well I tried doing this, but the engine will only start and run for just a few seconds then die out. Initially when I first started it after replacing the timing chain it ran for about four minutes before it died out. What else is it that I could try. Please let me know.

 

Was the car cranking and running OK before the timing chain replacement? What engine do you have?

 

Yes engine was running fine. Replaced the timing chain because it was loose and was tapping the inside of the timing chain cover. After I replaced it and put everything back together, I started the engine (305/TBI) to check if I had any leaks, or anything of such. Ths engine ran fine for about four or five minutes, then it gradually began to slow down (loose power) until it turned off. I started it again then it ran for about 30 seconds and cut off. Now it will only turn over and run for a few seconds and then shut down. A mechanic friend of mine came over and checked it out told me my timing needed to be set. A first I thought it maybe a fuel problem, but we seen that the throttle body was dispensing fuel. Now this is where I am now as you read in the first post. The engine can run I know that because it did. Now it just starts but won't continue to run. What can I try.

 

Just because the injectors are firing doesn't mean that your fuel system is fine. As for your timing, if it is so far off that your engine wont stay running for long enough to reset it then you need to set it manually at first. To do this you bring cylinder #1 to top dead center on the compression stroke and then turn the distributor until the rotor points between the wires of cylinder #1 and #8. This method will get you close enough to use a timing light... if indeed timing is the problem.

 

It would seem to me if the timing was that bad off, it wouldn't crank and run at all. It would just turn over but won't start running.

 

Yeah my next step will be to read the ICM codes and see what they tell me. The engine did run and very well, so it has to be something else.

 

It is a possibility that your distributor hold down clamp is loose and it allowed the timing to go bad over time. I still think your issue lies in fuel delievery somewhere though.

 

I'm with 91. Sounds like it's cranking and running, then burning off the gas the fuel pump is sending it, then for some reason it's not getting enough fuel to continue to run.

 

What type of fuel pressure gauge do I need to get in order to check and see if its getting enough fuel. I understand for this type of vehicle, you need between 9-14 lbs of pressure in order for it to run. I heard there is a gauge that you can connect to between the fuel filter???

 

You need one specific for a TBI engine because the normal fuel pressure gauges hook into the Shrader valve which TBI engines don't have.

 

I checked my ECM codes yesterday and I got a code 42 (EST Circuit Open or Grounded). I did disconnect the EST when I attempted to Manually adjust my timing, which didn't help any with the engine continuing to run, (still stalls out). I have reconnected the EST, do I need to clear out this code or is it coming up for some other reason.

 

Well if you clear the codes by disconnecting the battery for an hour. Recheck the codes to make sure all codes have been cleared before starting it again. Then start it up and see if the any codes reappear.