1990 Lumina won't start!

[Chevy girl]

Hi all. My 1990 Chevy Lumina 3.1, started missing, then cutting out, then finally it stalled, and won't start back. So far all I've done is replace the ecm , but it didn't fix it. The computer is not showing a trouble code so I'm at a loss. The fuel pump kicks on fine, plugs are firing. It seems to be flooding. There is a strong odor of gas when I try to start it, and even when it was running. Any ideas. It's getting plenty of fuel to the valve on the intake. When I stick a pen in there, it shoots fuel to the roof, almost as if it's getting too much fuel. Any guesses? Also, the last time I tried to start it, there was gas coming through the tail pipe, that's without pumping it. I'm open to any suggestions. Also, I was wandering if I should take the battery cable off and put it back on, so it will pick up the new ecm, or if it will pick it up automatically. My check engine light came on, but now it isn't displaying any trouble codes.

Thanks

[Super(sport)Man]

Does it have more than a single pair of headlights, or more than 6 cylinders?

If not, you probably won't get too much information here.

:D

[CDNpontiac409guy]

As Super ( sport ) Man said:cheers

[Chevy girl]

no and no 3.1 V6

[SSpev]

First pull the vaccumn line off the fuel pressure regualator. Turn the key on. If gas comes out, it shouldn't?, you have a bad regulator. (gas gets to the intake through the vacumn line) If not check the fuel pressure with a gage at the valve you had gas squirt out of. you should have about 35 psi. Don't run it very long! you have diluted the oil with gas (probably)! Change it ASAP when you get it running!

[oldimpala]

ChevyGirl-

Well, this is pretty common with the GM Delco/Magnavox DIS Ignition systems. You've already replaced the ECM; so we'll look to rule that out.
Check the Ingition Control Module; they're absolute garbage, you'll find it sits (not-so-intellegently) above the exhaust manifolds, on I believe, the pass side. (It's been a few years). Take the 3 coil packs off that module, and have them tested. To get to the points where the blades from the ECM go in to the packs, insert a paper-clip that you bend straight, you'll never get a probe in there. The coil specs should be found at most reputable parts shops, and most will test all three Coils, and the Module for free.
If those check out OK, the next step is to replace, don't even bother checking, the Crankshaft Position Sensor. The Fuel System on those cars is pretty reliable. You'd also get the rich-smell if you've got an ignition problem.
Those cars are pretty reliable, excepting the horrible rear brakes, and the Ignition system...... Give these few tries a shot; I'll bet you find your culprit.

Oh, and when you replace the Ignition Control Module (Note I said, WHEN, when I sold thes, I sold hundreds; they all fail), go with a Standard, Rayloc/NAPA, or Delco original. Stay away from Wells. They've revised the designs to deal with heat and Vibration.

Good Luck!
-Andy/Oldimpala

[Chevy girl]

Thanks a lot. I'll do that and let you know!