1988 Mercury Colony Park Won't Start After Fire

FORD WINDSTAR
Avatar
JBANR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
88 mercury colony park wagon
caught on fire on highway, ran great until then, shut off engine when pulled over wont start again. driving 70 mph fire only coming out back passing motorist let me know. What could it have done? seems to be getting fuel and electric. shut off valve shut off could it be stuck? How do I tell it problem gone? Help with any advice. Book not helpful.
thank you need car running fast or will be homeless cause wont be able to go to work.
May 6, 2006 at 2:13 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
Explain in detail where the fire originated and what was burnt--
May 6, 2006 at 2:27 AM
Avatar
JBANR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I do not know where it originated because I was driving when it happened on the highway, it may have been sparked by a hanging muffler and it had a small pin hole in the gas line. But it was only burning out the back of the car while driving. When I stopped the car at the side of the road the fire went out right away. I do not know what else to tell you. Nothing looks burnt on the underside of the car. So it was being blown by the wind.,
May 6, 2006 at 4:56 AM
Avatar
LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
REPAIR the gas leak first. INSURE you have fuel and spark. Remember you have a saftey switch in the rear that may have opened. What ever you do don't drive it until the hazards are fixed. Good luck and let me know
May 6, 2006 at 6:06 AM
Avatar
JBANR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have reparied the leak and I do have spark and gasoline so do you think it is the shut off still? Could it be stuK? Any other ideas?
What exactly do you mean safety switch is that what I have been calling fuel shut off? If it is open it only needs closed or what? Thanks so much for your help.
May 6, 2006 at 7:38 AM
Avatar
LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
It is a safety switch located in the trunk. It must be pushed in to be on. It stops the fuel pump from running.

With all the cranking and trying to start the engine I would remove the plugs and make sure they are not gas fouled.

How do you know you have gas??
May 6, 2006 at 8:25 AM
Avatar
JBANR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I know I have gasoline because my fuel indicator amount still works. What ever you call it guage. I have almost 3/4 of a tank. Could this have stopped working also in the fire?
May 6, 2006 at 9:35 AM
Avatar
PEPPERMRJ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,158 POSTS
[quote:07b25b4572="losone"]It is a safety switch located in the trunk. It must be pushed in to be on. It stops the fuel pump from running.[/quote:07b25b4572]

You need to check if you have fuel pressure. The safety switch Losone mentioned or as you say "fuel shutoff" in the trunk might have turned the fuel pump off. To reset it you simply push the button. :)
May 7, 2006 at 3:53 PM
Avatar
JBANR
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you it is the same switch but I also realized it is not in the trunk because it is a wagon but it is the same thing.
May 8, 2006 at 6:58 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Suggested Repair

Repair the fuel leak first and do not drive until the fire hazards are fixed. Reset the inertia fuel shutoff switch by pushing its button, then confirm actual fuel pressure and spark. Remove and inspect the spark plugs for fuel fouling; a fuel-gauge reading does not prove the pump is delivering fuel.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1988 Mercury Colony Park wagon said the vehicle caught fire while driving on the highway and would not restart after being shut off. The fire appeared to blow out the rear, possibly related to a hanging muffler and a pinhole in the fuel line, and went out when the vehicle stopped. Experts advised repairing the leak before driving, confirming fuel and spark, resetting the rear inertia fuel shutoff switch that can disable the fuel pump, checking fuel pressure, and inspecting the plugs for fuel fouling.

Related Repair Questions

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle