My 1997 Explorer cranks but it doesn't start.

[asanaya]

OK my dad was driving home from work and then our 97 ford explorer just quit. His friend pulled him to our house and now its just sitting in our drive way. He said if i can get to run again i can keep it. Ok i have tested the battery, cam position sensor, maf, oil, crankshaft sensor, inertial fuel cut off switch, fuel pump relay, fuel pump, distributor power, injector cables, and checked all cables to make sure they were plugged in but no start!! The engine has been swapped from a 1997 explorer sohc 4.0 v6 with a 2000 explorer sohc 4.0 v6. we had it swapped last year bc timing chain broke and we had valve probs. We did not do the swap we took it to a shop. The truck has been having idling probs before this happened but only at start up, we also have heard what sounds kinda like the timing chain but sound different then before. i really need some help here!! i have until April 14 to get it running until tags are due and they don't repay for them and sell it on craigslist!! Which i don't want bc no vehicle for me. We ran for codes right when we got the new engine and said bank 0 was running lean and parents did nothing about it have no idea if this had any thing to do with this situation. When you try to start it engine turns over but no start, if i spray a ton of starter spray it will fire a few times (like 3) but nothing. So someone please help!!

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome asanaya

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 95-01 section. Do you see a check engine light when you turn on the electrical system?

 

[2000StreetRod]

Engine No Start Procedure

the following thread may give you some ideas although you stated you've checked most of the likely causes. Since it fires for a second or more on starter fluid then you have spark. Did you actually measure the fuel pressure at the Shrader valve? Also, I suggest performing a compression test.

Engine No Start Procedure

 

[asanaya]

No I've not check for fuel pressure or compression I don't have the tools available to me. Doesn't autozone lend you tools?? Or at least rent them?? Do you know where I could find those tools to do those test?? Thanks anthony

 

[asanaya]

And yes the check engine light is one, does autozone allow you to barrow/rent a scan tool??

 

[asanaya]

I'm guessing the shrader valve is the lil air tube looking thing on the fuel rail??no I've not checked for exact pressure do to lack of tools but if I push the lil notch down in the valve gas squirts out so I'm guess it has some pressure

 

[budwich]

A compression test might be wise.... it sounds like you have experienced your second sohc motor "implosion". IF you can't get it to start/run with starting fluid/spray gas, odds are electrical or "major" mechanical issues. Did you check your fuses by any chance?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Autozone could read the code for you with their scanner.

 

[asanaya]

yes i have checked the fuses and relays

 

[asanaya]

i am unable to take the truck to autozone

 

[2000StreetRod]

testing

I suspect the reason the vehicle was given to you is because your dad anticipated it would cost something to get it running. Fuel injected systems are fairly complex with many components having various failure modes. The onboard diagnostic (OBD) system can be very helpful at times but has a limited number of sensors. It has no way to measure fuel pressure. On my 2000 Sport if I spray starting fluid thru the throttle plate into the intake manifold it will run for a second or two without functional fuel injectors. If yours does the same thing then your problem may be bad fuel, fuel pressure pump, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, injectors or camshaft position sensor.

If it won't run on starting fluid then your problem may be ignition related. It could be ignition coil pack, wires, plugs or crankshaft position sensor.

If the problem is not fuel or ignition related then its probably low compression. It could be a blown head gasket, burned valves, broken valve springs or incorrect camshaft timing.

Since you stated that you have eliminated many of the above possibilities I suggest that you borrow or purchase an inexpensive compression tester (I bought one from Harbor Freight Tools for $20) and check the compression. Flex Drive Compression Tester

 

[kindred4x]

With the key on engine off do you hear the fuel pump priming?

 

[asanaya]

yes i do hear the fuel pump priming

 

[jremington59]

Below is a post with a link that gives you everything you need to know. You're going to need a few basic tools, guages but you can diagnose it with a little work. We can only give directions. A compression and fuel pressure test will give you something to start on.

21 days and counting.

the following thread may give you some ideas although you stated you've checked most of the likely causes. Since it fires for a second or more on starter fluid then you have spark. Did you actually measure the fuel pressure at the Shrader valve? Also, I suggest performing a compression test.

Engine No Start Procedure

 

[asanaya]

well this is my weekend project bc of my soccer and school work

 

[asanaya]

Well i have bought a usb to obd2 connector and will be checking for the codes. I only hope works as expected! It is suppose to get here in like 3 days

 

[asanaya]

ok i got a usb obd2 scan tool to use with my laptop im going out to day to mess with it and try to get some codes!! wish me some luck

 

[asanaya]

well i have sold her, i hope to buy another car/truck with the money so i can use for school. When i get enough i will get another explorer but one with 5.0 and 4x4 Thanks so much for everyones help hope to post on here in a few years

 

[lounge lizard]

so did you find out what the end problem was before or after it was sold?