• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2.3L (N/A & Turbo) Tech

86 Mustang won't start

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jaice
  • Start date Start date Jan 28, 2004
J

Jaice

New Member
Sep 14, 2003
21
0
0
Jan 28, 2004
#1
  • Jan 28, 2004
  • #1
I have a 1986 Mustang, its a 3.8 V6, but I feel I'll get more help in this forum because mine falls under the same years as the 2.3's.

It has a Central Fuel Injection in it, kind of a Car, FI mix.


Anyway, the car was setting up for a while, maybe 3 months, when I got it, I tried to start it, it just turned over(spined) but no start. I talked to a guy and told him the problem, he said that the timing chain proably had too much slack in it, so I got him to change it,(the chain did have a lot of slack) and he changed the serpentine belt.

The car still wouldn't start, so we changed the spark plugs, and it started up. The main problem is, sometimes the car starts right up, sometime it takes a while, and recently, no start at all. We changed the spark plug wires and now the car spins faster when its trying to start, so the wires were probably bad.

I got the work done to the car on Sunday and Monday, so I haven't tryed to start it since.(Its at my dad's house).

My dad said it could be the timing is a little off, because the guy set the timing by ear, he didn't use a timing light. I'm having the guy come look at the car on Friday, then I'm going to take it to a shop to look at.

Does anyone have a clue on what the problem or problems could be.

Any help appreciated, thanks.
 

turbostang79

Founding Member
Apr 14, 2002
91
0
6
Belgium, Overijse
Jan 28, 2004
#2
  • Jan 28, 2004
  • #2
this does not sound good : " the guy set the timing by ear "

while setting the timing of the 2.3, I noticed that when I passed 13° advance,
the engine would run smoother when idling, and was less shaky.
But I was waaayy of timing.
IF the guy really set the timing by hearing the engine, your timing will be way off, and hard to start.
If you're not sure at how many ° your timing is set,

I advise you to find out. Too much advance could burn your valves ...
 

Keasbey

Member
Jun 12, 2003
915
0
16
Montreal
Feb 6, 2004
#3
  • Feb 6, 2004
  • #3
change your starter.. it could help..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A
1987 5.0 speed density Foxbody crank no start
  • Alan2204
  • May 23, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
10
Views
253
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 30, 2026
Mcmahst
F
1986 mustang no start
  • foxyjamss221
  • Oct 11, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
315
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 13, 2025
foxyjamss221
F
B
Engine Another no start after washing engine bay
  • bruno
  • Apr 26, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
24
Views
619
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 7, 2026
AeroCoupe
L
1997 V6 Starting issue
  • leanzik04
  • Mar 20, 2026
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
236
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Mar 20, 2026
Noobz347
I
98 Mustang GT dying
  • ItsMason
  • May 14, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
109
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Jun 25, 2026
lenzgt
L
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2.3L (N/A & Turbo) Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?