1990 Ford Taurus Won't Start

1990 FORD TAURUS
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DAWNG
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 1990 Taurus over 100K mi. that won't turn over, it sounds like it is not getting any fuel! I took it to the shop the fuel pressure is 40psi and the charging system is good. They said that it "might be" the computer itself,($400.00 to check it) does this sound right? The check engine light has never come on?? even if the fuel pressure reads good, could there still be a problem with it?? oh, within the last 15K miles I have replaced the igition module, igition coil, alternator, starter silenoid, battery and cables and gave it a major "ouch" tune up. HELP
Nov 15, 2006 at 1:15 PM
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CATCH_15
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 250 POSTS
If you want, you can try spraying some brake cleaner into the crankcase vent tube and see if it will start. If it does then you have good spark and comression. The only other thing the engine needs is fuel. Crank the ignition and put a test light on the injectors to see if they are pulsing. Also, you could have a faulty feul pressure regulator that is not letting fuel to the rail.
Nov 15, 2006 at 3:23 PM
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Suggested Repair

Spray brake cleaner into the crankcase vent tube as a starting test. If the engine starts, spark and compression are good and the problem is fuel. Check whether the injectors pulse with a test light, and inspect the fuel pressure regulator, which may not be supplying the rail even if pressure reads about 40 psi.

Conversation Summary

A 1990 Ford Taurus with over 100,000 miles cranks but will not start and seems to be getting no fuel. Fuel pressure was about 40 psi and the charging system tested good; the shop suggested the computer might be at fault, though the check engine light has never come on. Recent parts replaced include the ignition module, coil, alternator, starter solenoid, battery, and cables, plus a tune-up. The expert recommended a brake-cleaner starting test, checking injector pulse, and considering a faulty fuel pressure regulator.

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