no start condition w new engine

[dablack]

Just swapped in a 08 mustang 4.0L. The old engine died a year ago after it dropped a valve. The mustang engine got the explorer intake, fuel rail, injectors, exhaust manifolds, coil pack, accessories, and wiring harness.

Everything bolted it up. Hit the key and the engine turns over great but that is it. It doesn't even try to catch.

My tools are in storage, but tomorrow I'm going to go pick up my compression checker and fuel pressure checker.

The check engine light isn't on but I ran it for codes anyway. Got nothing.

If you can think of anything else.....

thanks
Austin

 

[dablack]

Ok. Checked fuel pressure before work this morning and got nada. Tonight I will research where to from here.

Thanks
Austin

 

[2Trux]

Start at fuel pump and work backwards.
If there is power at the pump when key is first turned on you probably have a bad pump.
If there is no power check relay and fuse...etc.

 

[dablack]

I can hear the pump prime so I'm thinking some sort of blockage. I"m going to check the relay and fuse anyway. If they are good then I will pull the filter and see if I can blow through it. If I can I will pull the line to the engine and see if I can blow through it.

When the engine died a year ago, I pulled the intake to try and figure it out. I think the fuel line was disconnected for a year.

If all that is good then I will drop that tank.

Thanks
Austin

 

[2Trux]

Did you plug the fuel line when you took it apart, then forget to remove the plug when you put it back together? (Something I would do)

 

[dablack]

Ok. Still no pressure. I pulled the fuel filter and line that goes to the engine. I cleaned the line as it did have a little crud in it. Then put in a new filter. No joy. Still zero pressure at the rail. Sprayed some starter fluid in and it started right up.

I also checked the relay and fuse. Both are good.

I can hear the pump prime but I guess that doesn't mean anything. Is there a way to check the pump without pulling it?

I know there is that large 10 wire connector just outside the frame rail by the pump. Surely I can check continuity there! Or something! I would have to drop the tank and then it be a clogged fuel rail.

Thanks
Austin

 

[2Trux]

Remove the output end of the fuel filter, put a hose on it, put it into a bucket, hit the key and see if fuel comes out. This could locate a blockage if there is one. The other possibility is the pump is broken even though the motor spins.

 

[boominXplorer]

Not to sound stupid but are you SURE there is fuel in the tank?

 

[dablack]

Well, there was fuel in the tank when it dropped a valve and the level goes to half a tank when I hit the key. Plus the Ex has 185k miles and still has the original fuel pump. I hope the gauge isn't wrong! Ha!

 

[dablack]

Put in a new fuel pump. Now it runs like a top with the new mustang motor. I'm very pleased. Also, I cut a hole in the floor to get to the pump. I stuffed a wet rag on top of the tank and used an angle grinder. Worked great. Do it at your own risk!