1989 Plymouth Sundance Car will crank but no start.

PPANCHO1

MEMBER
1989 PLYMOUTH SUNDANCE

Engine Mechanical problem
1989 Plymouth Sundance 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 200+ miles

Hey I just got done replacing a head gasket. The head was warped pretty bad so I have it re surfaced. Put Everything back together and I know everything is in the right spot. It ran fine for a half day then all the sudden died when I stopped fast. Then would not start back up. It would spuder like it wanted to start. Finally it started after I held the gas pedal to the floor. But it wanted to die and it would not idle on its own. I am getting a good spark. Timing is good. Fuel pump is good. It will not start unless I pull the fuel pump fuse and run it dry to clean all the fuel out. It is getting way to much fuel it shoots out of the throttle body and there is a heavy gas smell. Line in pressure is 40lbs when I turn the ignition on. I have tried everything.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Have you checked the fuel pressure regulator?

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Thursday, August 13th, 2009 AT 12:06 AM

PPANCHO1

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3 POSTS

Yes I have checked it. I get about 12-13lbs line in. At the TB. I also double checked the return line and its all clear. It almost seems like the torque converter because when I put in in drive it really has a hard time running. Lots of engine movement. Tried adjusting the distributor cap while its running only gets worse. I just don't know.

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Sunday, August 16th, 2009 AT 9:07 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi:
Based on everything you say, I would like to recommend having the SMEC (single module engine controler) tested. I believe it is attached under the air filter box. Here is a picture:

Also, I have spent some time checking this for you. According to the manual, the most common causes are vacuum leaks or wiring to the pin connectors not making contact as a result of corrosion. Check that first. Keep in mind, if it is running that rich, it could cause damage to the catylatic converter too. Finally, have you checked the temp sensor? It is located on the thermostat housing and is used by the SMEC to determinehow rich to make the mixture. That would be the cheapest try.

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Sunday, August 16th, 2009 AT 10:35 PM

PPANCHO1

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3 POSTS

Thank you for all your help. I have not checked the temp sensor Actually if I remember right I think the temp gauge is not working. So I think it is disconected. There is one sensor with threds comming out of it right above the distributor and the one on the thermostat housing. I took the one with the threds comming out. Out and replaced it with and aftermarket sensor and gauge. I will check those things and let you know. Thanks again!

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Friday, August 21st, 2009 AT 9:45 PM