1996 T-bird no start

1996 FORD F-150
Avatar
87GP
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
I have a 1996 Ford T-Bird, 3.8L with 150000mi. recently while driving on the freeway there was a loud "pop" sound followed by an exhaust leak. Turned out one of the hoses on the DPFE had blown off. It ran for about 10 more miles in this condition then lost power. I had the car towed home where it sat for a couple days. Now when I try to start it just turns over, it sounds really close to starting but will not. There is a strong gas smell, i pulled the plugs (autolite platinum) and all 6 were gas fouled. I have verified spark and there are no codes. The cats have a rattiling sound when tapped. What could be the problem and the best place to start diagnosing.

Thanks,
cwjaxon
Apr 16, 2006 at 12:59 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
LOSONE
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 1,616 POSTS
Sounds like you have a bad ignition module. It is located left of the radiator on a heat sync platform.
Apr 16, 2006 at 10:20 AM
Avatar
87GP
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Thanks for the reply losone. We still have spark, so could it still be a bad ignition module? We recently did a compression test on #4 and I'm confused, it doesn't hold pressure. The guage will go up to about 130psi then immediatley drop. it sort of goes with the pulses when turning the engine over. we tried another cylinder (#5) and same result. We haven't tried the others because the fitting we were using didn't seem to fit right, or so it seemed. But it got me thinking, is it possible the timing chain could have jumped?


Thanks
CJ
Apr 25, 2006 at 2:19 PM
Avatar
LOSONE
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 1,616 POSTS
Hummm thats a horse of a different color. At those miles you may be looking at a timing chain and gear. Pull no 1 plug. Rotate the engine until the TDC on the harmonic balancer is aligned with the marker. Take off the distribiter cap. the rotor shoud be pointed at #1 cyl. If not--a timing chain.
Apr 25, 2006 at 2:53 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.