92 Eddie Bauer sputtered and quit, now won't restart.

[Mechatron]

Hey guys(and gals)! I need to pick your brains. I have a '92 EB that just died on me. I was driving down the road and it started to sputter. Eventually it just quit. Now it wont start. It turns over fine. Battery is good. I hear the fuel pump prime, which I assume means the relay switch is still good. I changed the TPS sensor but that didn't do it. What the heck? Would I still hear the pump if the inertia switch is engaged? pressure regulator maybe? Would a clogged filter make a car just die and not restart? Help!!! :0

 

[MrShorty]

A few basic diagnostics:

1) Any vacuum leaks? They would have to be pretty large leaks to keep it from starting, so they shouldn't be hard to find.

2) Fuel pressure. Just because the pump is running doesn't mean it is generating enough pressure. Put a gauge on it and see what the pressure is. Also don't assume that just because it has pressure that the injectors are firing to let the gas into the cylinders.

3) I might pull codes. Some no starts like this will leave clues in the computer.

4) Check for spark.

 

[zombienerd]

Broken timing belt? Clogged fuel filter is possible. Check spark is a definite.

 

[Mechatron]

spark is fine. (got shocked! lol!) I pushed in the shrader valve with a screwdriver and gas came out which, I assume, means I have pressure. My money is on the fuel filter. I finally got the filter free of the frame now I can't seem to get the fuel lines off the filter. I have the proper tool. I'm exerting so much force that I broke one tool and bent the end of the filter! Any suggestions?

 

[chilliwackwestie]

but a quality line disconnect tool the cheap ones are garbage.
I had the same issue with my 94 f150 it ended up being a clogged cat
I know i didn't belive it either but thats what it was
Cheers
Glen

 

[Mechatron]

Bear to start when engine is cold!

thanks to all. It turns out it was the fuel pump. Now it runs great, It's just a bear to start when the engine is cold. Any thoughts?

 

[MrShorty]

thanks to all. It turns out it was the fuel pump. Now it runs great,

Since diagnosis is often more than half the battle, would you share with us how you determined the fuel pump was at fault?

It's just a bear to start when the engine is cold. Any thoughts?

Hard starts are often fuel delivery problems. Even with the new fuel pump, I'd probably start by putting a fuel pressure gauge on it and see what it is doing.