Fixed Truck now will not start

[lovs2fly]

Jut finished replacing my intake manifold gasket and now it will not start. I need your help.

A little background. This is a 94 explorer, V6 - push rod, auto. The car had been sitting in my driveway for about a year until I finished the job. The repairs included; removed and replaced the intake manifold including the fuel rail, removed and replaced the valve cover gasket's, rebuilt AC compressor, new radiator.

The problem; Everything is back in its orginal place, car will crank but will not start. I have tried spraying starter fluid but this has not help. At times it does sound like it wants to start (a slight pop) but that is it.

I have checked all wires and fuel lines (it does have fuel in the rail). The fuel has been in the car since last August.

I am stumped and need your help!

 

[Pollarican]

Do you have spark for sure? I'm having some difficulty with my starting system as well.

If you would like to check fuel pressure, there is a schraeder (SP?) valve on the fuel line on the drivers side rear of the engine bay I believe.

Other then that, I would try disconnecting the MAF sensor and holding the throttle open while cranking it. You could have one of a few sensors that went bad, (IAC, MAF, Crankshaft Position Sensor).

 

[TedJ]

Make sure you have the firing order correct first, then check for fuel pressure, does the pump run when the key is switched on?

 

[manaen]

did you get everything plugged back in properly? make sure your coil pack is plugged in...

 

[lovs2fly]

I have double checked all hoses and lines. I have fuel at the rail (checked the schrader valve). Firing order double checked.

What about the lifters? they have been sitting there almost a year and they are hydraulic.

 

[manaen]

it would still start even if the lifters were not pumping up. It would be tapping but it would start.

did you verify there is spark?
does the Check Engine light come on when you turn the key on?

 

[Lt.Jim]

The fuel has been in the car since last August.

Fresh gas might help?

 

[yellowcat]

let me understand this better

your x was running fine when you parked it? Then since it sat for a long time you decieded to replace the intake gasket? When was the last time it ran, and how was it running?

 

[manaen]

I would start with all the basics,
1) fuel pressure test
2) spark test
3) compression test

if it has those three in the correct order/amount it will run...

 

[yellowcat]

those three plus

it also must have timing.

 

[lovs2fly]

your x was running fine when you parked it? Then since it sat for a long time you decieded to replace the intake gasket? When was the last time it ran, and how was it running?

I parked it about 9 months ago due to a leaking gasket. The car was running fine at that time.

Since my last post I have been able to get the car to fire on starter spray only. Maybe it will last for 30 secs but with constant spray from the can.

I'm starting to think fuel issues but I do have fuel from the schrader valve.

Any other thoughts?

 

[wood1]

So you have a fuel delivery issue it would seem.

First, does the fuel pump come on when you first turn the key ahead. You should be able to hear it run for a couple seconds. If you can't hear anything:
-check the fuel pump shut-off to make sure it hasn't been tripped
-check the fuel pump fuse and relay, often the relay will fail. Swap in another relay to test this
-you may need to replace the pump.

If the pump does run, when did you last replace the filter?

 

[lovs2fly]

So you have a fuel delivery issue it would seem.

First, does the fuel pump come on when you first turn the key ahead. You should be able to hear it run for a couple seconds. If you can't hear anything:
-check the fuel pump shut-off to make sure it hasn't been tripped
-check the fuel pump fuse and relay, often the relay will fail. Swap in another relay to test this
-you may need to replace the pump.

If the pump does run, when did you last replace the filter?

First thanks for all the help up until this point.

Yes my pump comes on when I turn the key. So I think that the pump, fuse and relay would be fine. I am going to replace the filter just because it has been mentioned so much.

I agree, it does seem to be a fuel problem. I guess I will need to check the pressure at the rail. Any hints or suggestions. I'm guessing I will need a pressure guage.

Thanks.

 

[manaen]

You can borrow a PSI gauge from autozone or parts america or someplace. You need to have one that attaches to the schrader valve on the fuel rail. Depending on the fuel system you have the pressure should be either 62psi for a return-less system or around 35psi for a system with the return line.

 

[Willard]

It would be 35 psi since all first gens have the return-style fuel system.

 

[marragtop]

Make sure all the vacuum lines are connected at the vacuum tree on the drivers side by the firewall. I've seen instances where a open connection will cause what you are describing. Also, have you pulled the codes? There may be a code stored even if CEL is out.

 

[yellowcat]

could it be the new gasket was not done properly?

 

[lovs2fly]

could it be the new gasket was not done properly?

I thought abut that but it was a pretty simple job and nothing would suggest that this is the promblem. I still think it is a fuel/delivery problem.

 

[BP_93explorer]

have you checked the emergency shut off switch?

 

[lovs2fly]

OK, here is the latest.

I have checked the fuel pressure at the rail (schrader valve) and it was 34 psi before I changed the filter. I still plan to change the filter but I don't expect any change in condition.

To recap; My 94 XLT will not start after an intake gasket replacement. The car sat in my driveway for about 9 months until I got around to the job.

I have checked the following;
Spark from the coil at each cylinder.
New Plugs.
Fuel Pump is working (you can hear it priming)
Pressure at the rail (34 PSI)
All connectors doubled checked
Vacumn lines checked

I have had the car running for about 30sec with starter fluid. At times it has been rough but other times it is smooth for the duration.

I have pulled the codes with Key on / Engine off and have the following.

214 Cylinder ID
327 EGR Tranducer/Sensor below min voltage
157 MAS below min voltage

First code I have had awhile and the car was running with this code in the system before the intake gasket replacement. The next two codes are new but since the car is not running the EGR would be out of the loop and the tubing from the MAS to the TBI is not hooked up at the moment. I don't believe these code would stop the car from starting.

OK, you guys have been great so far and we will get this car started we just need to go back to square one. Thanks for all the help.