No start...not even with starter fluid anymore

[Chad Brutality]

Ok, so I have a 98 v6 with sohc...I bought it like 4 months ago and it started and ran fine. So like 3 months ago I was reversing out of a parking spot and it tried dying on me but I hit the gas to keep it from turning off. Didn't think much of it at the time so I just went home. Few days later I was out again and went into the store and came out and what happens, I crank the engine and it won't start. So I open the hood and check a couple things, everything looked fine so I went into a gas station and got a can of ether (starter fluid) and sprayed it directly into the intake on top of the engine. And what do you know it starts right up and runs like a champ.

So it runs great for a couple weeks then bam did it again at home. So sprayed that ether again then runs great for awhile. Then it would do it every once in awhile and I could never figure out the problem. Fuses were all fine, fuel pump relay was good, all vacuum hoses were good, no air leaks in the intake, and even checked the fuel shutoff switch in the cab. So i just keep driving it like normal. I even took it to Lake Havasu which is 4 hour drive from my house. Never had a problem on the way there, while I was out there, or even on the way back. Now the day after this trip I go to start it and it does the cranking again. I spray the fluid again but this time I get nothing. I even tried my spare key thinking about the anti-theft thing I've heard about.

So I'm hear asking you guys cuz I haven't talked to many people that are more familiar with the Exploders than you guys. So if someone could give me some ideas or if you've had similar situations, I could really use the help. I've been out of commission for almost 2 weeks now...

 

[2000StreetRod]

Engine No Start Procedure

Engine No Start Procedure

Intermittent faults are very difficult to locate. Now that your SOHC won't start at all, you may be able to determine the cause.

Do you have any diagnostic trouble codes set?

Were there any symptoms other than not starting? Did the engine ever die while idling or cruising other than the time when you backed up? Did the idle fluctuate?

Have you been diligent about performing scheduled maintenance? How many miles since the fuel filter was replaced? Have you cleaned the IAC valve and the MAF sensor?

 

[Chad Brutality]

I haven't ran an obd2 yet to see if theres any codes. Before it did this then check engine light was never on so I don't know if it is now since i cant get the truck on. Before cranking it the engine light is on but i thought that was normal before it starting. As far as any symptoms it was only when i backed up. I haven't had it for long but the guy that owned it before took good care of it and took it for its tune ups and what not. I unplugged the maf sensor and looked at it to make sure it wasnt fried or dirty but other than that i wouldnt know if it was bad or not. And the IAC valve im not sure how to check it. The fuel filter I havent checked. Should i replace it?

 

[2000StreetRod]

check engine light

. . . Before cranking it the engine light is on but i thought that was normal before it starting.

Read the procedure. The CEL should be On with ignition On and should go out while cranking.

. . . I unplugged the maf sensor and looked at it to make sure it wasnt fried or dirty but other than that i wouldnt know if it was bad or not. And the IAC valve im not sure how to check it.

Use the search function to find threads about cleaning the MAF sensor and the IAC valve. Even if it's not the problem, it's a good periodic maintenance task.

The fuel filter I havent checked. Should i replace it?

Also, probably not the source of your problem but a good maintenance task. Many people avoid doing it. See: Why change fuel filter?

 

[Chad Brutality]

So just noticed the check engine light is not turning off while cranking the engine. Is that maybe the crank shaft sensor, i remember reading something about that

 

[Chad Brutality]

Problem resolved. I hit the crank shaft position with a screwdriver and starts right up