Won't start

[97explosport]

Mine did the same thing, and it turned out to be the crankshaft position sensor. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it wouldn't. Before I'd replace the fuel pump, I'd pull a plug wire and see if you're getting a spark. I think the replacement was $35, and easy to replace on the front of the engine (4.0L OHV).

Does it matter which plug wire I check out? Also, if there is no spark what would be next? Thanks.

 

[97explosport]

Mine did the same thing, and it turned out to be the crankshaft position sensor. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it wouldn't. Before I'd replace the fuel pump, I'd pull a plug wire and see if you're getting a spark. I think the replacement was $35, and easy to replace on the front of the engine (4.0L OHV).

Does it matter which plug wire I check out? Also, if there is no spark, what would be next? Thanks.

 

[dynamite196]

I was in the same boat as you yesterday! Fortunately for you I think I may be able to help you. You need a slightly more methodical approach then just ripping into the truck and seeing if parts are good or not (I know you're frustrated but that's a really really hard way of doing things lol). First of all, I highly doubt your fuel pump went bad, those don't go out when the truck has been sitting for a year unless there is some underlying problem. The easy way to check this is test the fuel pressure. You didn't mention which motor you had but on the ohv (maybe this is true for the sohc too, I'm not totally sure, I'd hafta double check the manual) there is a test port on the fuel rail. It has a screw on cap (either blue or black) and inside you have a shrader valve (like in a bike tire). If you have the right adapter screw it on there or if you're like me just unscrew that whole thing and screw your gauge into it instead. Make sure you don't get gas in your eyes and make sure the ignition is off because the fuel pump will be on if it isn't. Once the gauge is in turn the ignition on, (you shouldn't have to crank it yet) and you should see somewhere around 30 pounds (might be around 25 if the car has higher mileage on it). Now try cranking the car and see what you get (it should go up to at least 30 and probably will go higher). If you don't pass this test you need to look into the fuel filter and the fuel pump, however I don't think you'll run into any problems here. Next you need to check for fuel in all the cylinders, so pull out all the plugs and see if they're wet with fuel. Make sure you take out all the plugs because you need to be sure each cylinder is getting fuel. In my case I pulled out one plug to see if the whole engine had fuel. Guess what happened to me, I had 5 clogged injectors and I just happened to pick the one that wasn't clogged to test. If all the cylinders aren't getting fuel than you found the problem. Good job now you'll need to get in there and clean out/test each injector.

 

[BillWms01]

Does it matter which plug wire I check out? Also, if there is no spark, what would be next? Thanks.

Just pull the easiest one to get to. This test is made easier with a tool like this (I don't have one) http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=4424 .

Or, you could do like dynamite suggests and test the fuel with http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16174 .

The results should get you going down the right path.

 

[dynamite196]

Start by checking the easiest one (probably cylinder 4 IMO) but either way you should check all of them if you want to start with the ignition system.

 

[97explosport]

I was in the same boat as you yesterday! Fortunately for you I think I may be able to help you. You need a slightly more methodical approach then just ripping into the truck and seeing if parts are good or not (I know you're frustrated but that's a really really hard way of doing things lol). First of all, I highly doubt your fuel pump went bad, those don't go out when the truck has been sitting for a year unless there is some underlying problem. The easy way to check this is test the fuel pressure. You didn't mention which motor you had but on the ohv (maybe this is true for the sohc too, I'm not totally sure, I'd hafta double check the manual) there is a test port on the fuel rail. It has a screw on cap (either blue or black) and inside you have a shrader valve (like in a bike tire). If you have the right adapter screw it on there or if you're like me just unscrew that whole thing and screw your gauge into it instead. Make sure you don't get gas in your eyes and make sure the ignition is off because the fuel pump will be on if it isn't. Once the gauge is in turn the ignition on, (you shouldn't have to crank it yet) and you should see somewhere around 30 pounds (might be around 25 if the car has higher mileage on it). Now try cranking the car and see what you get (it should go up to at least 30 and probably will go higher). If you don't pass this test you need to look into the fuel filter and the fuel pump, however I don't think you'll run into any problems here. Next you need to check for fuel in all the cylinders, so pull out all the plugs and see if they're wet with fuel. Make sure you take out all the plugs because you need to be sure each cylinder is getting fuel. In my case I pulled out one plug to see if the whole engine had fuel. Guess what happened to me, I had 5 clogged injectors and I just happened to pick the one that wasn't clogged to test. If all the cylinders aren't getting fuel than you found the problem. Good job now you'll need to get in there and clean out/test each injector.

I think I've found the test port on the fuel rail. I'll do the test tomorrow. Since you have the manual, can you maybe post up some pics on how to remove the injectors (incase they need cleaned)? Also, when this same problem happened to you, did you notice that the fuel pump didn't make that whirring noise before you tried to start the truck? Thanks!

 

[dynamite196]

I'll double check to see if there are any pictures in there however I don't think there were. Do you know how to take the first intake manifold off (the black plastic one)? That's probably 3 times harder than taking out the injectors. To get to the injectors you pull out the 6 torx head studs that the primary intake manifold screws onto and the whole fuel rail will come off allowing you to pull the injectors. I did hear the fuel pump for about 3 or 4 seconds. It happens right when you turn the key to the ON position. It's pretty easy to hear if you have your door or window open.

 

[97explosport]

I did hear the fuel pump for about 3 or 4 seconds. It happens right when you turn the key to the ON position. It's pretty easy to hear if you have your door or window open.

See this is the part that has me worried. The fuel pump definitely does not make a noise before trying to start the engine.

 

[dynamite196]

You'll know right away as soon as you check for fuel pressure. If you don't have any pressure I would start looking into the electrical system for the fuel pump first. Like I said it's really uncommon that a fuel pump goes bad when it's been sitting. It's possible but an electrical problem is far more likely. If you aren't getting fuel try switching around the relays. If you still don't get any fuel pressure see if you're getting voltage to the pump.

 

[97explosport]

So I went out and tried banging on the gas tank after I got a quote of $1000.00 to fix the fuel pump and it kind of turned over but immediately died. It sounded as if the truck ran out of gas. Maybe the gas guage is broken? But I still don't hear the sound of the fuel pump before it starts up which still makes me think it's the fuel pump.

 

[Turdle]

And I agree, you should hear the fuel pump.

You do need to verify it isn't a wiring issue first though. It might seem like a waste of time, but it would sure be discouraging if the pump was replaced and still didn't work.

BTW
When I replaced mine, I was a virgin at it.

You can do it yourself.

 

[97explosport]

And I agree, you should hear the fuel pump.

You do need to verify it isn't a wiring issue first though. It might seem like a waste of time, but it would sure be discouraging if the pump was replaced and still didn't work.

BTW
When I replaced mine, I was a virgin at it.

You can do it yourself.

What should I check as far as wiring other than the relays, spark plugs, and fuel pump intertia cut off switch?

 

[Turdle]

So I went out and tried banging on the gas tank after I got a quote of $1000.00 to fix the fuel pump and it kind of turned over but immediately died. It sounded as if the truck ran out of gas

Well, you have spark.

I agree,you aren't getting fuel. Try a new filter, while you are down there, note the path of fuel and electrical lines, check voltage at the pump, or closest connector. Still, I bet a donut the pump is toast.