1991 Camaro Won't Start

With a timing light, just don't expect to be able to change it since it's controlled by the engine control computer.

Much more info is required to diagnose why the engine won't start, more info yields better responses and faster results.

Hello. Being a little more specific this post is correct for the V6-3.1L engine. The timing on the V8's ( 5.0 L EFI ) ( 5.0L TPI ) ( 5.7L ) however can be adjusted by disconnecting the set timing bypass connector ( tan/black ) wire near brake booster. Once base timing is checked and or adjusted it will be necessary to reconnect the bypass connector and remove battery voltage from the ECM for 30 seconds to clear codes.

OEM Base Spark Timing : 5.0L EFI - TDC ; 5.0L TPI & 5.7L - 6 degrees before top dead center.

Hope this helps.

Take Distributor cap off.

Take #1 spark plug out.

Rotate crank till the #1 piston is at top dead center. The rotor should be pointing at the #1 spark plug tower position on the distributor.

If you have a timing light, use it, while cranking the engine. The light should light every other time the timing marks are aligned.

Look on Chevy forums for many more hints.

The rotor will point at the #1 spark plug connection or directly opposite the #1 plug connection when the piston is at the top of #1 cylinder. When the rotor is pointing at #1 plug wire the #1 piston and both the exhaust and intake valves for #1 cylinder should be closed. This mechanical timing can only change if something breaks or the engine was not assembled properly.

Is "Camaro" an alternative spelling for "Cavalier"? If so, you have landed in a hotbed of expertise....

You need to check that fuel is getting into the engine, that the spark is good and correctly times and that air is getting in.....no blocked air filter for example......

Its most probably a fuel problem at a guess....

Welcome to the site. Your question implies that your Camaro will not start, and you think that it is a timing problem.

There are two timed functions that happen on your car. 1) is the start of the intake valve opening in relation to the piston. 2) is the firing of the spark plug in relation to the the piston.

If the timing of the spark was disturbed, it was because someone or something moved the distributer, the electronic components in the distributer, or the crank position sensor if so equipped. BUT, in most cases, the movement would not be sufficient to stop the engine from running. In most cases, if there is spark, the ignition should fire the spark plugs, and so the engine should run.

If the relationship of the intake valve opening to the piston was disturbed, (and all of the other valve timing events) your engine will not start even though there is spark at the spark plugs. This timing relationship is controlled by a timing chain between the crankshaft, and the camshaft.

If the ignition timing was to be moved by 25 degrees, the engine would still start, but if the timing chain has allowed the valves to open and close late, the engine will not build sufficient compression to run. A simple pass or fail test for this condition is to have a helper try to start the engine, while you use your hand to seal off all of the air entering the engine at the carburetor or fuel injector air inlet. If the engine is making compression, there will be suction. If the engine is not building compression by pumping air, there will be no suction. This is not very scientific, but it is an easy pass or fail test that requires no tools usually. Good luck, and let us know the results, and we will guide you as far as you want to go.

even if the timing had slipped several degrees that usually won't affect starting. you gave almost no information (what's new) but you can't really verify the exact timing until it's running. provide more details and just maybe we can assist you

Hello: Built many Chevy engines. First, I would check the continuity of the coil wire. Second I would check to see if the coil is operative. If both of those check out, you should check the distributor cap for cracks. If your distributor cap is cracked the car will arc across the crack instead of sending the spark to the spark plugs. Third pull the timing chain cover and see if everything is in tack. Some of the Chevy engines had a Phenolic timing gear and if it is damaged, that may be your problem. I hope that we can assume that you have made sure there is fuel to the injection manifold. If you haven't then you must. It should arrive at the end of the fuel line at about 4.5 psi. The other thing that can starve your engine of fuel is a dirty gas filter. Check them all. Make contact with the local Camaro club for help as well.

Hello. The value given for fuel pressure of 4.5 psi. is incorrect. It should also be noted that the fuel pressure checks on the 1991 Camaro V8-5.0L EFI is accomplished using a tee in the fuel line (9-13 psi.,engine running ). The V6-3.1L and the V8's- 5.0L TPI and 5.7L have a schrader type connection on the fuel rails, ( 34-47 psi., ignition on, engine not running.

Hope this helps.

I think you guys are wasting your time. My guess is that this is all lost on the OP.

I'm nodding my head up and down

I wholeheartedly agree. At the same time it is our time to waste.

All my Chevys had mechanical fuel pumps his has an electric. My booboo.