Engine cranks but will not start

1987 FORD BRONCO

192,000 MILES • 5.0L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

BRONCO87

MEMBER
1 POST

Been my daily driver for four years now, runs good and is reliable. However, today it stalled out while going down the road and wouldn't start back up. It would continue to crank and spin the starter but sounded like it was starving for fuel. I checked the pumps and the filter, and they all were fine. I was getting great fuel pressure all the way to the engine. I checked the distributor next, and it was getting plenty of spark. Not sure what could be the problem. any suggestions?

Oct 20, 2021 at 7:51 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

If you have both spark and fuel, it should run unless timing is off, there suddenly is very low compression, or if there is no injector pulse.

First, take a look through this link.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

You mentioned there is spark and fuel pressure. I need you to try something. See if the engine starts for a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then shuts off, we know it's a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, then I want you to recheck for spark.

Here is a link that explains how to do it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Let me know what you find.

Joe

Oct 21, 2021 at 12:16 PM

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