Crank but no start

Tiny
RICKSTER38
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 FORD ESCORT
  • 150,000 MILES
I bought the car and it would not start. Replaced the fuel pump, strainer and fuel filter, veh started and ran good for a few days and the new fuel pump died. Replaced the fuel pump again, now no start. New pump runs and has good fuel pressure at the rail. The engine will run if gas is poured directly into the intake tube. Not sure what the next step is
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 AT 1:42 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
You aran't getting fuel to the engien. Check if there is power to the injectors.
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 AT 1:44 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.

Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.

2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.

3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 AT 4:01 PM
Tiny
RICKSTER38
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  • 8 POSTS
OK fuel pressure is good. Has spark and has power to injectors but no pulse.
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 AT 4:36 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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  • 20,757 POSTS
What is the fuel pressure?
Is the check engine light coming on for bulb check?
Have the computer scanned for codes.
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 AT 4:45 PM
Tiny
RICKSTER38
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  • 8 POSTS
The fuel pressure is 41 PSI KOEO and drops only about 2 psi. The check eng lite illuminates with the key in the on postion. I only have a scanner for ODBII systems. Will have to purchase one for this car. This sounds like a possible cam position sensor failure I think
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
You're sure about having spark now, right?
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
RICKSTER38
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Yes has good brighr blue spark and engine runs if fuel is introduced in the intake tube
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 AT 5:00 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
You're going to need a lab scope and professional scan tool to get any deeper into this.

You start by testing all the ground inputs to the ECM.
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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 AT 5:05 PM
Tiny
RICKSTER38
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Correction to

previous info. The injectors ARE being pulsed. All other info is correct. Good fuel pressure and spark
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Wednesday, August 29th, 2012 AT 1:07 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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  • 20,757 POSTS
Well, If you have injector pulse, spark and correct fuel pressure, you have a running car so we need to go back and see what part of that is incorrect.
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Wednesday, August 29th, 2012 AT 1:10 AM
Tiny
RICKSTER38
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I do have all that and it don't run. There is no fuel coming out of the injectors. The spark plugs are bone dry.I think the injectors may be plugged up. The car had really nasty fuel in it when I bought it
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Wednesday, August 29th, 2012 AT 1:13 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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[quote]The engine will run if gas is poured directly into the intake tube[/quote]

Will it continue to run when you stop priming?
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Wednesday, August 29th, 2012 AT 1:22 AM
Tiny
RICKSTER38
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
No
It runs for about 10-15 seconds then dies. Pour in a little more fuel and runs for 10-15 seconds again
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Wednesday, August 29th, 2012 AT 1:39 AM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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Then you could be right. You can run an injector balance test to find out.
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Wednesday, August 29th, 2012 AT 1:42 AM
Tiny
RICKSTER38
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  • 8 POSTS
Ill have to try that. Thanks for taking time to help me
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Wednesday, August 29th, 2012 AT 1:44 AM

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