1987 5.0 speed density Foxbody crank no start

[Alan2204]

Hi guys I've had my 87 speed density 5.0 fox down for a while now due to the crank no start, Issue started happening after my clutch cable stretched vehicle started perfectly fine 2 times but on the 3rd start the vehicle bogged off and would not start again, I did replace the clutch cable and adjusted it to spec to see if that was the possible issue in which it wasn't so I then started checking everything from

• spark was good with tester
• compression which was around 100psi not good but i assume good enough to start
• fuel relay clicks, fuel pressure was 35psi and fuel pump primes with fuel actually reaching the cylinders after inspecting and removing spark plugs
• ECU good no issues with capacitors
• Inertia switch was not activated
• Timing is set with new distributor
• Spark plugs are new and gapped to spec
• New battery
• New mini starter replaced early last year
• New neutral safety switch
• New ignition switch replaced early last year

I did notice that when I bump started the vehicle it wouldn’t have any electronics on or even any rpm and pedal response it would just coast at 1k rpm running like crap then when the vehicle would come to a stop it would just bog off. If you guys can help or give any feedback in any way to help diagnose this issue I would be really grateful

 

[Mcmahst]

First, welcome. Have you pulled codes? That’s the place to start. A few questions that might help others more knowledgeable here. How did you set timing? Since you have spark and fuel, timing is suspect. Have you tried a shot of starter fluid? Good luck.

 

[AeroCoupe]

Here you go. Read through this completely. Once you understand what all is involved work through it methodically and do not skip a single step.

Thread 'Cranks OK, but No Start Checklist for Fuel Injected Mustangs'

May 22, 2006

Cranks OK, but No Start Checklist for Fuel Injected 5.0 Mustangs model years 1986-1995

A word about this checklist before you start: it is arranged in a specific order to put the most likely failure items first. That will save you time, energy and money. Start at the top of the list and work your way down. Jumping around will possibly cause you to miss just what you need to see to find and fix the problem. Don’t skip any steps because the next step depends on the last step working correctly.

Revised 26-Jul-2017 to add fuse link diagram.

All text applies to...

• jrichker
• Replies: 93
• Forum: Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

• 

 

[Alan2204]

First, welcome. Have you pulled codes? That’s the place to start. A few questions that might help others more knowledgeable here. How did you set timing? Since you have spark and fuel, timing is suspect. Have you tried a shot of starter fluid? Good luck.

I have not pulled codes yet. Would the innova 3145 obd1 reader be helpful? And I have tried a shot of starter fluid but does not have any difference in helping it start

 

[Alan2204]

Here you go. Read through this completely. Once you understand what all is involved work through it methodically and do not skip a single step.

Thread 'Cranks OK, but No Start Checklist for Fuel Injected Mustangs'

May 22, 2006

Cranks OK, but No Start Checklist for Fuel Injected 5.0 Mustangs model years 1986-1995

A word about this checklist before you start: it is arranged in a specific order to put the most likely failure items first. That will save you time, energy and money. Start at the top of the list and work your way down. Jumping around will possibly cause you to miss just what you need to see to find and fix the problem. Don’t skip any steps because the next step depends on the last step working correctly.

Revised 26-Jul-2017 to add fuse link diagram.

All text applies to...

• jrichker
• Replies: 93
• Forum: Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

• 

Thank you for the helpful link, I will try to follow this.

 

[Mcmahst]

Yes on the 3145.

 

[Blown88GT]

I have not pulled codes yet. Would the innova 3145 obd1 reader be helpful? And I have tried a shot of starter fluid but does not have any difference in helping it start

OBDI is very limited. Since you have spark & fuel & air, there will be no codes. From your original post, it seems like the clutch is still partially engaged & with the low compression, there is too much load for it to start.

 

[AeroCoupe]

“Since you have spark & fuel & air, there will be no codes.”

Can you explain this as I never heard of that.

 

[Mcmahst]

Yea, I would see if there are codes before ruling them out. If you’re gonna own one of these, you need the tester. It’s a very inexpensive tool that really helps. Good luck.

 

[AeroCoupe]

This is the code reader I use and got it on Amazon.

INNOVA 3145 Ford Digital OBD1... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EW0KHW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[Mcmahst]

Same one I have.