It won't run

[SVO P51]

After installing a new rag joint this morning, I decided to take a test drive. Well all was good for a while, but then I noticed shudder when I got in to it a bit it got worse, finally car would only idle and now it wont even start.
I checked my codes, only code was tps out of range, i checked it and got 1.05 volts. That wouldn't keep it from running though, would it?

Also, I would like some advice on checking my fuel pressure. From the posts I have found, everyone seems to have a schrader valve on the fuel rail, but mine only has one at the firewall.

Please help, Boyd

[richsvo]

As for checking the fuel pressure...you do have a Schrader valve on your fuel rail...I promise...(as long as it is stock).  It is sort of hidden behind everything (from the front of the car) Look on the fuel rail towards the firewall, and you should find it. The stock pressure is around 38-40 psi (if I remember right) with the vaccumn line removed from the FPR.

Hope this helps. A weak pump will most certainly make it run like crap!

Rich

[svobud]

Well....let's start with the basics first... what yr is the car? Mods (besides the most recent)? Any chance you could have loosened any wiring while installing the rag joint? Did you disconnect the battery? Did you reconnect it? Go back over what you last did with the car... any chances your problems can be related? I know - a rag joint doesn't affect an engine, but you know what I'm getting at...

Is your fuel pump (or pumps) still working? Do you hear them buzz when you cut the switch on? If not, you may have a blown relay (it's located under the seat - green in color)

Are you getting spark?

Last thing...let it cool down...and see if it starts again. Ford had so much faith in their TFI (and it's location) that they suggested you carry a spare in your glovebox. The heat from the motor can cause damage to it. I've seen cars run....then once they reach operating temp - just shut off....once they cool, they'll fire right back up - but only untill they get warm again.

[SVOMARK]

Check your hoses to and from the intercooler.

[SVO P51]

Thanks everyone for the fast replies. My car is a early 84 which I haven't had very long. I purchased the car from a relative who bought it for his son but had given up on it. Another guy was wanting to make a "Stocker" round track car out of it so basically I bought so he wouldn't get it. It is a good car though, straight body, interior is good, no cracked dashpad, still has the leather on the horn but not the outer steering wheel etc, but needs things most 84 cars would. The car hasn't seen much action in the past 15 yrs. or so and has been garaged most of the time, untill the last couple of years.

My fuel pumps seem to be working, at least I can hear at least one of them any way. I am getting spark to the plugs. The intercooler hoses are tight and new, which I found out to be what was wrong with the car in the first place. I am somewhat familiar the TFI module problems, as I also have a 85 1.6 HO Escort.

I still haven't found a Schrader Valve on the fuel line, I have looked and felt along the fuel rail, since I purchased the car, but I have only found the one on the firewall. i seem to be getting fuel to the regulator anyway.

Thanks again for your replies, Boyd

[svobud]

timing belt maybe? loose distributor? Have you reset the TPS yet?

[GT350R]

being and 84 with known wiring issues, and since you did the rag joint. I would really check out the distributor wiring.

Make sure your getting spark, If not , I bet the distributor plug is suspect.

[SVOeric]

The intercooler hoses are tight and new, which I found out to be what was wrong with the car in the first place

Does this mean you got it running ?

[SVO P51]

Originally posted by SVOeric
The intercooler hoses are tight and new, which I found out to be what was wrong with the car in the first place

Does this mean you got it running ?

No, the intercooler hoses turned out to be the original problem that had stumped everyone, causing them to give up on the car in the first place.

I had the car running good until my short drive yesterday, and it ran good for a while then. I am getting fire to the plugs. So I will check the timing belt and other obvious things today.

Thanks again for all the help!
Boyd

[gbeaird]

The wiring is a known issue with 84's. Look at the primary wiring to the distributor. You will be looking for cracked and peeling insulation. usually, though, they will just die as one wire shorts out on another.

If the wiring checks out, clean, then adjust your TPS.

Gene Beaird
86 2R SVO
Pearland, Texas