1985 Buick Riviera wont start

Asked by Guru9J3YFK May 18, 2023 at 12:56 PM about the 1985 Buick Riviera Convertible RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I just got a 1985 Buick Riviera which looks real good from outside and inside.
Car will crank but won't start. It has been sitting in the garage not being driven.
Can someone help?

3 Answers

39,945

If it sat for more than 6 months then the fuel tank/lines/filter should probably be cleaned out , 85 was transition years going from carburetor to someones idea of TBI , check for spark , You could probably dump a little gas down the throttle and see if it will fire up . It sat there for a reason

1 people found this helpful.
157,515

Check for fuel, spark, and compression. In that order. Spray a little starting fluid down the throttle body or carburetor. If it runs for a few seconds on that you have a fuel problem. If it won't run on the starting fluid check for spark. If you have spark and fuel (the starting fluid) but it still won't run it's time to do a compression test. If all cylinders test very low or zero it's jumped timing or the valves are stuck open from sitting. Hope that helps! Jim

2 people found this helpful.
19,475

ignition module in steering column and /or starter relay may be out.

1 people found this helpful.

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