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VL wont start (common issue with a twist)

Joelfrench93

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Hey guys

I know this has been posted many times before, I've read every thread. Still can't get my bus to start

I have an interesting lead up to the point I'm at now so wondering if I can identify whats happened and how I can sort it

So far I've replaced the dizzy, CAS, both fuel pumps and fuel filter

Basically, I noticed the external fuel pump was extra loud and attached to the car by wires and cable ties. I decided to replace it. When I pulled it out, I realised the bracket was rooted so I decided to put it back in and wait for more parts and do it all properly the following weekend. In that week, I was driving it to work each day and it started missing and having issues. I had also decided to run it out of fuel meaning I would have less fuel to drain by the weekend
By the last day, it barely got home. Granted it was almost out of fuel but it started missing badly and losing power, it got real bad. Anyway got it home and in the garage. The next morning I figured I would head to the petty station and get some fuel, but as I got it out of the driveway it was really struggling. So I rolled it back and into the garage. Replaced the fuel pump that day, but it wouldn't start. Ripped the tank out, realised it was absolutely filled with ****. Drained it, cleaned and sealed it, also replaced the internal pump and filter. Still wouldn't start
Since then replaced the cas and cleaned all earthing wires.
Also found the small diode near the relay (which was rooted) it fell apart when I looked at it, so I kept the wires apart

Still can't get it to start

At this point thinking it could be unrelated to the initial fuel situation and actually ECU related

Pulled the hose off at the rail and getting fuel to the rail. Sprayed some start ya bastard in the air intake with no power. Which makes me think it has to be ignition and not fuel

Can anyone give me any advice on guidance or where to go next as I'm feeling very stuck

Could I have damaged something else past the line of fuel filter when running the tank dry?

Really appreciate the help!!
received_2565428547039672.jpeg
 

Not_An_Abba_Fan

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Check to see if you have spark, you know you have fuel. Pull a plug out and earth it while cranking to check for spark.
 

Joelfrench93

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Spark is quite inconsistent and gold in colour rather than blue
I'll try again after work and video it
 

Vin999

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Hey guys

I know this has been posted many times before, I've read every thread. Still can't get my bus to start

I have an interesting lead up to the point I'm at now so wondering if I can identify whats happened and how I can sort it

So far I've replaced the dizzy, CAS, both fuel pumps and fuel filter

Basically, I noticed the external fuel pump was extra loud and attached to the car by wires and cable ties. I decided to replace it. When I pulled it out, I realised the bracket was rooted so I decided to put it back in and wait for more parts and do it all properly the following weekend. In that week, I was driving it to work each day and it started missing and having issues. I had also decided to run it out of fuel meaning I would have less fuel to drain by the weekend
By the last day, it barely got home. Granted it was almost out of fuel but it started missing badly and losing power, it got real bad. Anyway got it home and in the garage. The next morning I figured I would head to the petty station and get some fuel, but as I got it out of the driveway it was really struggling. So I rolled it back and into the garage. Replaced the fuel pump that day, but it wouldn't start. Ripped the tank out, realised it was absolutely filled with ****. Drained it, cleaned and sealed it, also replaced the internal pump and filter. Still wouldn't start
Since then replaced the cas and cleaned all earthing wires.
Also found the small diode near the relay (which was rooted) it fell apart when I looked at it, so I kept the wires apart

Still can't get it to start

At this point thinking it could be unrelated to the initial fuel situation and actually ECU related

Pulled the hose off at the rail and getting fuel to the rail. Sprayed some start ya bastard in the air intake with no power. Which makes me think it has to be ignition and not fuel

Can anyone give me any advice on guidance or where to go next as I'm feeling very stuck

Could I have damaged something else past the line of fuel filter when running the tank dry?

Really appreciate the help!!
View attachment 217334
Ah poor VL,
I think you have a few issues with fuel and ignition/electrical, firstly we don't know what condition things were before considering the fuel/tank/pump issues, just because fuel came out of rail doesn't mean the injectors are ok/blocked, since they copped the **** in the tank and you were driving it in poor condition.
Clean/replace the fuel injectors first, do tests out of car and put new kit/0rings thru them to make sure its not a fuel issue, also check injector wiring as most have cracked 30 year old plastic and exposed wires.
You mentioned you replaced cass and dizzy, well maybe you got timing/teeth out with dizzy placement. Also maybe time to do complete new tune in plugs/leads going from what you said and condition of tank and underside, the car describes like it sat for a long time and hasn't ran properly.
there are many simple tests that can be done to determine why ?? in the end it could be electrical as they suffer melted fusebox wiring and ecu issues, so sort the fuel issue first do a tune and check timing and then maybe see an electrician.
 

Joelfrench93

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Ah poor VL,
I think you have a few issues with fuel and ignition/electrical, firstly we don't know what condition things were before considering the fuel/tank/pump issues, just because fuel came out of rail doesn't mean the injectors are ok/blocked, since they copped the **** in the tank and you were driving it in poor condition.
Clean/replace the fuel injectors first, do tests out of car and put new kit/0rings thru them to make sure its not a fuel issue, also check injector wiring as most have cracked 30 year old plastic and exposed wires.
You mentioned you replaced cass and dizzy, well maybe you got timing/teeth out with dizzy placement. Also maybe time to do complete new tune in plugs/leads going from what you said and condition of tank and underside, the car describes like it sat for a long time and hasn't ran properly.
there are many simple tests that can be done to determine why ?? in the end it could be electrical as they suffer melted fusebox wiring and ecu issues, so sort the fuel issue first do a tune and check timing and then maybe see an electrician.

Thanks mate I really appreciate this
I have a three day weekend coming up
I've got new plugs for the injectors, I'll take them out and give it all a number. You've made me feel sorry for the old girl haha

I'll get some new plugs and leads while I'm going
 

Vin999

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You've made me feel sorry for the old girl haha
All untouched factory VL's need some love sometimes, especially when 30 year old efi/electrical/ecu start to go haywire and crumble.

I have a soft spot for the VL, we have 2 calais in the wider family, an LS/RB niss tuned turbo and all that factory gremlins/factory sheet issues have been updated/overhauled to more modern stuff, a very very $$$$ expensive last few years but 300 rear wheel KW's isn't cheep like the birds, even trying to find simple factory parts.

Good luck with your baby and hope you get it going to where you want it, real things take a bit more time than Utube vids.
 

vc commodore

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I have a soft spot for the VL, we have 2 calais in the wider family, an LS/RB niss tuned turbo and all that factory gremlins/factory sheet issues have been updated/overhauled to more modern stuff, a very very $$$$ expensive last few years but 300 rear wheel KW's isn't cheep like the birds, even trying to find simple factory parts.

If you know where to look, they are easy to find....

I know a wrecker that deals specifically in VL's
 

Joelfrench93

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All untouched factory VL's need some love sometimes, especially when 30 year old efi/electrical/ecu start to go haywire and crumble.

Good luck with your baby and hope you get it going to where you want it, real things take a bit more time than Utube vids.

Cheers man, the plan was always to slowly work through each bit and get it right, I may have just gone in the wrong order lol
Oh well, its one way to learn

Im pulling the fuel rail off tonight, and I figured I'll just take it to an efi specialist and get an ultrasonic clean + all new bushings and o rings. Works out at about $40 per injector. That way I know its done properly

While it's off , I'll replace all plugs and leads.

What I'm wondering, if I in fact have just clogged the injectors (which is very likely from the history)
Could I have fucked something else in the line? I don't know much with efi
But could I have fucked the regulator too etc?
 

Joelfrench93

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Alright guys, had the injectors and fuel rail ultrasonically cleaned and fitted with all new rubbers and fittings. Replaced the plugs and leads

Am now getting good spark from both plugs and coil. Fuel pressure is strong at the rail, fuel system is now completely reconditioned from tank to injectors. Also cleaned ECU plugs with contact cleaner. However, still won't start

Getting spark and fuel, CAS is reading proper voltage
 

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