This is in regards to a '83 242.

My friend is having trouble with his 242. Turn the key, engine turns and turns but never catches.

Here's what I've already done:

Checked for spark (using an extra plug) and it's at all 4 plugs.

Next step was to check for fuel. We disconnected the fuel line at the rail and were able to get lots of gas when we bypassed the fuel pump relay (by jumpering fuses 5 and 7). So we know the pump at least works.

Cranking the engine with out bypassing the pump relay wouldn't produce any fuel. I reconnected the line and tried to start the car while bypassing the fuel pump relay. Still no start.

I thought that maybe the timing belt had broken, but the cam turns when the engine cranks.

I looked over the engine compartment for any obvious broken vacuum hoses and didn't find any.

I didn't suspect the pump relay in the first place because this car uses one of the Bosch "sugar cube" relays instead of the standard problem prone 6 prong relay. (That relay has already been swapped once recently.) I would have thought that bypassing the relay would have let the car start, if that was the issue anyway.

AMM looks okay, and gave the proper readings when checked with a meter as per the Bentley.

I even checked the 25 amp spade fuse that comes off the battery, and that is okay as well.


At this point I'm stumped. I don't know what the next step should be. Any ideas?

Thanks as always.
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