I tried to start and it sounded like I flooded the engine?

Hi,

Certainly, it can be a fuel related issue. However, there are other things as well. For example, a faulty crankshaft position sensor or other ignition component. I need the engine size to determine what your vehicle has as far as design.

When this happened, did you notice any dark gray or black smoke from the exhaust? If you did, that usually indicates a rich fuel mixture or in this case, a flooded engine.

What you can do is check the fuel pressure yourself to see if it is within the manufacturer's pressure specifications.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

You will need a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you. If you let me know which engine is in the truck, I would be happy to provide the pressure specifications.

In the future, if you suspect the truck may be flooded, hold the throttle pedal to the floor until it starts. By doing this, it shuts down the injectors to eliminate a flooded engine.

Also, I believe this truck has an OBD1 system. It doesn't require a scan tool to retrieve codes.

Here is a link that explains how to retrieve them:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/ford-lincoln-mercury-obd1-1995-and-earlier-diagnostic-trouble-code-definition-and-retrieval

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

It is a 351 cubic inch engine. As far as the issue, it could be a faulty crankshaft position sensor. Do me a favor. Take a look through this link and let me know if it mirrors what you have experienced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Also, I attached the fuel pressure specifications below if you want to check pressure.

Let me know if you were able to check for codes using the procedure I mentioned above.

Take care and Happy Labor Day.

Joe

See pic below.

Hi,

As far as the location of the data link connector is concerned, it should be under the hood right next to the hood hinge on the driver's side.

Let me know if you are able to find it.

Joe

Hi,

Did is start when you held the fuel pedal to the floor? If it did, I would suggest starting by checking the fuel pressure. I attached a how to link above. The fuel Schrader valve is on the fuel rail to check pressure. Also, there is a fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail as well. It will have an engine vacuum hose to it. Disconnect the hose and confirm there is no fuel in it.

Next, if the vacuum hose is dry, reconnect it and check pressure. You will need a pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you. I also attached the manufacturer's fuel pressure specifications below.

Try this and let me know the results. Also, let me know if you tried retrieving codes using the link I included above.

Joe

See pic below.

Hi,

The only thing I can suggest is this. When it won't start, see if it will if you use starting fluid. If it does, then we will know there is likely a fuel pressure related issue.

Or, if you think it is flooding, when this happens, remove a spark plug to see if it is wet with fuel.

One other thought. There could be an ignition related issues. If it won't start, check to see if there is spark at the plugs. Here is a link that explains how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Those are the only other ways I can think of. Let me know if you are comfortable performing them.

Joe

Hi,

Thanks for the update. It almost is always fuel or spark related. I'm glad you got it resolved.

Take care and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe