89 240 Won't start

I just purchased an 89 240sx today with 138thousand miles on it with a prestine body and interior for $1200!. woohoo, so that's the good news, Bad news is, is that the previous owner said that the car started running really rough and had no power, she said she took it into a shop and they told her "Bad Head Gasket," anywho, she got that replaced but now the car won't start, which doesn't really bother me, since I'm going to pull the engine as soon as my SR comes in. From what I've heard from her it sounds like it's not getting any gas to the cylinders, whether it's the fuel pump or injectors I don't know. I haven't given much you peeps much information, but I was wondering if you guys/girls had any idea's on what to check or if you've seen this problem before. I've not yet personally worked on the car, I only looked at the body because that's what I really wanted, but, I thought hey, in the meantime I could always put put around in the KA while waiting for the SR. Any suggestions or input would be greatly appreciated.

[ca18guy]

We need more info. From your desroption it could be anything. What sounds do's it make when you try to start it? Did you check all your eletrical connection's or have tried a brand new battery? And just give us an idea on what happens when you try to start it.

[yenpit]

pull a plug, put it back in the wire and lay it on top of the engine, have sum1 crank it over.....if you see a blue spark ur ignition is good, if NO spark ignition problem.

loosen a fuel line, put sum rags around to catch fuel, have sum1 turn ignition on (dont have to crank it).......
if u get fuel ur fuel pump is good. ur plugs will usually be wet and/or smell heavy of fuel if pump is working.

if u have fuel AND spark check ur timing, especially since u had head off.....may be off a tooth or two.

just sum ideas! good kuck.

Yea, I gave all the info I had. I just wanted to research this as much as I could with as little information as I had. So that when I finally get the car to my place, I'll know some things to try right off the bat. Thanks for your input. I haven't tried to crank it because it didn't have a battery in it when I looked at it.

[S13Grl]

Someone gonna tow it to your place? $1200.00 isn't that bad of a price; I paid $1500.00 for my '91 with 72K miles on it (it runs pretty good except for the chain guides). Then again, I worked reception at that dealership. Still... Good luck!

Yea, I have access to a trailer that I'm going to get it with. I'm happy with the price I got, It's what I've been looking for for the past few months, and I couldn't pass this one up, espicially with how good of condition the car is in.
Thanks!

[kclem69]

If you think it's the fuel pump and you want to buy one used, I just pulled the 1 month old pump out of my 1990 to upgrade to a Hi-Flow Walbro pump for my SR20DET swap.  I gave $65 for it NEW at Autozone 1 month ago.  I'll sell it for $35 plus shipping.  Let me know.

[S13Grl]

Did you install the DET, Konkie?

It probably is the fuel pump, but I'm getting a Walbro, thanks for the offer though! I'll just have to wait till I have the car in my possession so I can troubleshoot thoroughly.
Is there a startup sequence or something with some fuel injected cars? When my brother rebuilt his Honda(ewww) motor, he mentioned something about a certain startup sequence, like a way to turn on the power and plug in certain things, and start the car, etc... Since I'm not positive what he had to do, and if my lame description rings a bell, is there such a thing for the 240.
Thanks, Again.

[alchemist]

Did you ever get her to start?  I'm about to have the same problem with mine