1990 Corolla no-start?

[sonix1]

Hey guys, I've stumbled upon a very confusing problem with my Corolla.

Car has 230xxx kms, automatic transmission. Went to start it the other day, it fired up, then died. Will not restart.

- Pulled spark plugs and had friend crank it over - good spark
- Sprayed fuel into air intake while cranking - no fire.
- Pulled valve cover and timing belt cover - timing belt looks PRISTINE. Everything is moving well, seems to be nothing wrong there.


The car has new exhaust as of about 2 months ago.

I'm at a loss - fuel, spark, and timing makes me scratch my head. I'm thinking about getting a fuel pressure testing to make sure it's getting its own fuel pressure (spraying fuel into intake wasn't a terribly good test...) --- but WHERE do I test the fuel pressure on these cars?? I was expecting to find a schrader valve somewhere under the hood?!?

Thanks for any advice;

[90 GP]

You would need a banjo bolt adapter to remove where fuel line hooks up to fuel injector rail to hookup to your fuel pressure gauge. When you sprayed gas did you remove rubber air intake and spray directly into throttle body? If not try it using starting fluid. In spite of timing belt belt looking good it conceivably could be missing teeth where you can't see it and jumped time. How long since it has been changed?

[sonix1]

I had buddy crank it over while I watched the timing belt, every cog was there, belt was tight, etc. Looked brand new. I honestly don't know when it was done, but the belt was pristine.

I had removed the air cleaner housing, had my friend hold the throttle wide open, and cranked it over while spraying fuel into the hose. I could feel a strong vacuum when blocking that hose, so it seems like it's making vacuum.

I could verify spark with my own eyes, and timing, but adding fuel myself isn't the same as verifying it's getting fuel, so i'm suspecting fuel still. The method I used to add fuel was still pretty neanderthal.

So you're saying i'd need to remove the "bolt" on the far driverside of the fuel rail (at the end), and add in a banjo bolt adapter, to hook up a fuel pressure gauge? The fuel pump doesn't run with key in the ignition, only after cranking - correct?

Thanks

[90 GP]

When key is in the on position the fuel pump should pressurize the fuel rail. You will need that adapter to make your hookup . Not sure who sells em. Check your fuses to see if fuel pump fuse blew. Think there is one in black box underhood that says EFI. Could also have a clogged fuel filter. For the fuel injected it's sits way low underneath brake master cylinder. Easier to get to if remove air filter box and charcoal canister. Need a line wrench to get if off without stripping lower fuel line nut. Recommend soaking with PB blaster etc. in advance. How old are the plugs, cap/rotor? Maybe you have spark but possibly weak. Get some starting fluid remove air intake, crack open throttle enough to spray a couple shots and then close throttle and leave it closed while cranking. If starts and then stalls you have confirmed fuel delivery issues.