How do I get a SHO running after 1 yr of sitting

[pejohnson]

As the title implies, I just bought another SHO yesterday. It is a 95 ATX with a ton of after market parts. My initial intentions was to strip it and use the parts on my 95 MTX SHO. After further deliberation, I have decided to try and get the 95 ATX running. I removed the fuel tank, cleaned it and re-installed it. I put a new fuel filter on. I also changed the oil. After doing all this, I decided to fire it up. Unfortunately I could not get it to start. It turned over fine, just never acted like it was getting a spark or fuel.

My questions are this:

How do I know the engine is getting fuel? When I turned the ignition on, it sounded like the fuel pump kicked on. Because the engine is fuel injected, you don't shoot any starter fluid in the intake right?

Once I have determined the engine is getting fuel, what should be my next steps? I was thinking of putting new spark plugs in.

Any advice would much appreciated.
Thanks,
Phil

 

[Toolman]

Check pressure at the rail (schraeder valve near tb). Check spark at coil pack (remove a plug wire, hold it close to coil),(do this before you spill any fluid from schraeder valve!)

 

[thxone]

New air filter - Inspect the air box and intake tube for ANY blockage.
Change ALL spark plugs - (NGK Platinum $20 for all six at AutoZone).
Change oil and filter.
Check all hoses for cracks.
Make sure your battery is new and fully charged.
Check coolant level and proper coolant mix.
Check power steering reservoir.
Change all of the brake fluid and bleed the system completely.
Check the trans fluid - Change filter if possible and put new fluid in.
Check brake pads and rotors.
Check spark plug wires for wear.
Check ALL visible electrical connections in the engine bay.
Check ALL visible fuses and relays.
CHANGE YOUR WIPER BLADES!!
Check all light bulbs.
Double check the firing order.
Check vacuum lines.

****... that's all I can think of at the moment.

 

[JRA2000TL]

Is this the blue one that was on craigslist in Ohio? Had 2 flat tires and some other issues? Just curious.

 

[pejohnson]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

JRA2000TL - yes it was the SHO from Cincinnati, Ohio on CL. I bought it from Brad Rogue who used to own SHOfastperformance. He told me it's been parked for a year, but I think it's been much longer. Hopefully I can get it running.

If anyone has the full interior (and I do mean everyone) in tan, I am looking for something cheap. The driver side window was leaking and much of the interior is moldy!

 

[rubydist]

1. you know the engine is getting fuel when you pull a plug and its all wet from gas.

2. you know the engine is getting spark when you pull a plug, reinstall the wire, and crank the engine and see spark across the gap (note: plug must be grounded)

gas but no spark suggests bad cps, dis, or pcm

spark but no gas suggests bad ccrm, fuel pump, pcm, injectors

 

[jayro]

It sounds like you already took care of the main things (gas tank and oil). Make sure all the other fluids are at the correct levels, then check for spark and gas.....as others have already said. I would got through a list like thxone mentioned before any real driving occured. Wasnt there something mentioned a while back about putting a couple of drops of oil or atf fluid in a few cylinders to make sure the compresssion is there to start it? Just a few drops though, too much can be bad!

 

[pejohnson]

Okay I got it running but it took some work. I determined the engine was getting fuel, so I changed the plugs. After that I could tell the engine wanted to run however still couldn't keep it running. I finally found culprit. It was the aftermarket air filter cone which was completely caked so no air was getting to the engine. After I removed it, the engine finally started. It ran really rough and after some revving and letting the engine idol, she began to wake up. I pretty excited, hoping I can bring her back to life. Next step is to get the calibers turned and bleed the brakes. Also I need to find new tan interior (front seat, rear seats, carpet and center console). Lastly fix the leaking sun roof.

Thanks for everyone's input and comments.

 

[kevinspann]

The drains on the sunroof are probably clogged.

 

[thxone]

I finally found culprit. It was the aftermarket air filter cone which was completely caked so no air was getting to the engine. After I removed it, the engine finally started.

Thanks for everyone's input and comments.

Yay... Checking the cheapest things first is always the smartest thing.

 

[SHOtimer]

Brad Rogue who used to own SHOfastperformance.

Haven't heard those two names in a long time.

Doug

 

[220ksho]

New air filter - Inspect the air box and intake tube for ANY blockage.
Change ALL spark plugs - (NGK Platinum $20 for all six at AutoZone).
Change oil and filter.
Check all hoses for cracks.
Make sure your battery is new and fully charged.
Check coolant level and proper coolant mix.
Check power steering reservoir.
Change all of the brake fluid and bleed the system completely.
Check the trans fluid - Change filter if possible and put new fluid in.
Check brake pads and rotors.
Check spark plug wires for wear.
Check ALL visible electrical connections in the engine bay.
Check ALL visible fuses and relays.
CHANGE YOUR WIPER BLADES!!
Check all light bulbs.
Double check the firing order.
Check vacuum lines.

****... that's all I can think of at the moment.

Wash and wax it too.

 

[Bob Gervais]

Brad Hogue..... I hope you got it cheap....

 

[RonPorter]

Brad Hogue..... I hope you got it cheap....

You betcha!!

That guy is still alive?? Buncha folks ready to **** that *******.

Been sitting for MUCH longer than a year! My red '89 sits for a year between drives, and never has an issue.

 

[turbo79]

Good on ya for hanging in there. Another SHO back on the road is good.

It might get interesting when you get around to turning those calipers...I think that they only install one way.

:banghd:

 

[pejohnson]

It sat under a pine tree, so I am assuming they are plugged. I am taking the head liner out and blowing air in the drains. It probably needs a good cleaning

 

[pejohnson]

I guess I can share that I snagged it for $750. It has koni shocks with Intrax springs, 17 in Enkei wheels, Baer front 13" brakes, stainless steel brake lines, 24/26 sway bar kit, front and rear strut braces, H brace, aluminum subframe bushings, rear adjustable control arms, FPS hiflo Y pipe, Dynamax catback, CIA, and the intake has been ported. Like I said in my original post, I was going to part it out but I am trying to fix it up to run. Having a blast so far wrenching on it.

 

[VortecGT]

Good deal man just those brakes are worth that price!