Son's 1997 wont start

[dlee]

My son's 97 Explorer quit running. I checked the fuel pressure (39psi), changed the crankshaft sensor, visually checked fire looked ok but changed coil and got no change. Spayed staring fluid in intake but still no start. I can hear the fuel pump energize. Checked all fuses and relays still no start. Engine turns ok but have not checked compression. Any ideas what I may have overlooked?

 

[drdoom]

Is it a V6 SOHC?
Might want to do a test on the Camshaft Position Sensor, and the Throttle Position Sensor. Also check the IAC. And the compression also.

 

[dlee]

It is a 4.0 SOHC. Have been searching on how to test the camshaft sensor? Have removed and cleaned the IAC. Have not the checked the Throttle Position Sensor nor the compression. If I have a bad timing chain/guide issue, will I have to check the compression on all cylinders or will one bad on either side indicate a problem?

 

[drdoom]

The Haynes manual has a test procedure for the CMP sensor. It's pretty simple IIRC you just pull it out, and connect your probes to it's connector, then wave a metal object past it...not a very likely culprit, but I can relate I had a no-start on my SOHC a month or two back. Fuel pressure was good in all three modes. All sensors checked out. Had spark. Coil checked out. Still no start. I was stranded in a remote area, and so when the sun went down, I took a nap. Next day, I put the battery back in, and it has been running ever since. I have no idea why, other than maybe my CKP sensor was so gunked up with power steering fluid that maybe disconnecting that, and cleaning it, may have helped.

 

[dlee]

Man, this thing has me stumped! It has a new Crank sensor and I disconnected the battery for 30-40 minutes after installation but still wont run. Even starting fluid will not make it run. I plan on chencking compression in the next couple of days. If the cam sensor is not a likely culprit, what else could it be?

 

[jremington59]

Do you have spark at the plugs?

 

[dlee]

Yes I have spark at the plugs. Does the 97 have a security system that would interfer with starting?

 

[my98nnj]

Even starting fluid will not make it run.

If it wount just start for a second with starting fluid, then your missing spark or internal engine timing is off.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Ford Explorer Engine No Start Procedure

Ford Explorer Engine No Start Procedure

On my 2000 PATS disables the fuel injectors. I think PATS was implemented in 1998.

Bad compression on all cylinders in one bank means slipped/broken chain for that bank. Bad compression on both banks means slipped/broken primary (crankshaft to jackshaft) chain. Make sure ignition wires #5 & #6 are not swapped - they are not sequential on the coil.

 

[dlee]

I have a spark at the plugs but wont some much as hiccup with starting fluid. I didn't have a compression tester but am buying one today. If I lost internal timing will I have to test all cylinders to verify, cause the back cylinder on the passenger side is hard to get to.

 

[jremington59]

When you pulled the plug was it wet? If you've been cranking it a few times and it's not firing at all the plugs should be soaked. If they're not wet, it's not getting fuel. I'd crank it over for a few seconds and pull a couple plugs on each bank.

 

[dlee]

When I looked the plugs were not dripping wet! Why wont it at least try to start when using starting fluid? It has 39psi at the rail and I can hear the pump initialize. Any other ideas.

 

[jremington59]

Are you sure you pulled a couple plugs and had good spark? If you have spark and hit the throttle body with some ether it should at least fire.

 

[dlee]

Yea, but I am going to check plugs again tomorrow and check the compression.

 

[drdoom]

Has the ECT sensor on the thermostat housing been checked?

 

[wht2wd50]

on the passenger side, behind the kick panel there is a fuel shut off try reseting it.

 

[dlee]

I got around to checking the compression today. Driver side had 150 psi but passenger side had 0 psi. Seems like I have an internal timing chain / guide issue on the rear of the engine.