1991 Ford Explorer No-Start After Running

FORD EXPLORER
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WEEBYRD
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I am about to buy a 1991 ford explorer don;t know engine size but the truck runs great but when running for awhile keep starting truck after awhile it wont start you have to let it sit for 15 mins then it will start right back up.It turns over but it's like not getting spark? could this be simple like coil or voltage regulator?
Apr 4, 2007 at 10:20 PM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
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It is not the voltage regulator or you would have a charging problem and the battery would go dead and the car would not crank. The next time this happens test the truck for spark. The thing I hate the most is to change out parts that are still good. If you have no spark then you will have to trouble shoot the ignition system. I don't know if your car has coil packs or a single coil, but I 'am guessing from the year you have a single coil with a distrubutor. If you don't have spark at the plugs, then check to see if you have voltage on the primary side of the coil. If you have voltage here then the coil is bad and needs to be replaced. If you don't have voltage then you have a problem with the module or crank senor and will need to test them. Good luck
Apr 5, 2007 at 2:53 AM
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WEEBYRD
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where would I find the modual and crank sensor?
Apr 5, 2007 at 10:29 PM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
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The crank sensor is located next to the harmonic balancer, which is connected to the front of the crankshaft. Its the pulley with the belt/belts running around it. There should be 2 wires coming from the sensor. I don't know where the module is located. They are most of the time located in the engine compartment on one of the fender wells or firewall. It will also have wires coming out of it. Sorry I could not be more helpful :(
Apr 6, 2007 at 6:37 AM
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WEEBYRD
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91 ford explorer 85,ooo miles 4.oL it has spark. it starts but stalls again it seems to me like it's not gettin gas even though I'm pressin gas peddle. it putters then stalls again.when you wait like 5 mins it starts right up.
Apr 11, 2007 at 9:12 AM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
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If you suspect that you are not getting enough fuel then the first thing you need to do is do a inspection of the fuel system. Check all hoses and connections for leaks or kinks. Also make sure the filter isn't clogged and restricting the flow of fuel. Next measure the fuel pressure. In order to do this you will need a fuel pressure tester. I don't know if you own one ,but perhaps you could borrrow one. On Fords the tester is connected to the schrader valve(it looks like an air valve on a tire) wihich is located on the fuel rail. The fuel pressure should be 30 to 45 PSI.
Apr 11, 2007 at 11:13 AM
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WEEBYRD
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the truck runs good most of the time it just happens when you stop and keep starting it. do you know where the fuel filter is located i looked under hood didnt see one.
Apr 11, 2007 at 11:42 AM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
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Most of the time it is located under the car below the drivers seat. Try looking there
Apr 11, 2007 at 12:34 PM

Suggested Repair

Confirm spark when the no-start occurs. If there is no spark, check primary voltage at the coil; voltage with no spark points to a bad coil, while no voltage points to the ignition module or crank sensor. If spark is present and the engine stalls as if starved of fuel, inspect fuel hoses and connections, check the fuel filter under the vehicle near the driver's seat, and measure fuel-rail pressure at the Schrader valve; it should be 30 to 45 PSI.

Conversation Summary

A 1991 Ford Explorer 4.0L runs well but, after repeated starts, cranks without starting or starts and stalls until it sits briefly. The expert ruled out the voltage regulator and advised testing spark, coil primary voltage, the ignition module, and the crank sensor near the harmonic balancer. After the owner confirmed spark and suspected fuel delivery, the expert recommended inspecting fuel lines, checking the filter under the vehicle, and measuring 30 to 45 PSI at the fuel-rail Schrader valve.

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