88 2.3l will not start

have you checked your fuseable links .I had a couple go out on my car and did the same thing.best way to check the is by a jumper wire.

Agreed. A free and easy thing to do would be to check your wiring harness (especially fusible links and grounds). If everything tests ok, I would check the computer for codes. Directions for that are available online or in a Chilton/Haynes manual. Since it will not run, you will only be able to scan the KOEO and CM codes, but that could yield the results you are looking for. The engine sounds like it is loading up (too much fuel) so I doubt your fuel pump is to blame. It could be a stuck closed fuel pressure regulator, bad MAP/BP sensor, throttle position sensor, or even the computer itself. But working through each system, one component at a time saves a ton of money and time.

Most fusible links when they blow will melt a little. But, some can go out without melting. Your Haynes manual should show the locations along the wires. What you're looking for is a fat rectangle on a wire (usually right near the connection point) that says "Fusible Link" on it. They are all located in the engine bay, most being around the starter solenoid and then driver's side firewall area. I would "jumper" them by simply checking for continuity in the line. Get your voltmeter and check for resistance. If there is none, you're ok, if there is infinite resistance, then it has blown. New fusible links can be had at any auto parts store. Be sure to get the right amperage rating (stamped on the origonals in the engine bay). Be sure to check your grounding points and connectors for corrosion and tearing also.

If you can hear the fuel pump, it should be ok.

I would pull the codes before I did anything else. Otherwise you will be shooting in the dark.

Next up would be to check actual fuel pressure, then check that the plugs are firing.

On the 2.3 also check that the timing belt has not failed....

Tony_Convert said:

When trying to start, can here fuel pump run, engine will usually try to "catch" once, then just keeps cranking. Some issues leading up to this are: Fuel gage does not work all of the time. Sometimes it shows fuel level correctly, sometime shows fuel level incorrectly, sometimes shows totally empty. Next is that it started to become hard to start, would not stay running once it started unless I gas it more gas. Smelled like it was flooding. Next would be hard to start, once started it would idle, then when pressing on accelerator would kind of sputter til it got to needed RPM. If let off of accelerator, would idle, but a little rough. I suspect a fuel pump, but think it could also be a sensor for reason it will not start now. I think that fuel gage issue could be seperate issue, or part of problem. What do ya think? Thanks for any help.

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Wassup Y'all!!! I have been having the same problems with my 90' Lx vert! It would start and run for 15-30 minutes and then die. If I don't turn the key to the off position the fuel pump will run and can be heard running until I switch the key off. I check for spark and it does. I once thought it was TFI but I have a bag o'them and know thru trial/error and testing at autozone it ain't that either. I can tell when it will run by listening to the pump running...If it cycles on and off it will run. If it just runs continuously when I turn key to first position then I know it won't run. Idling or driving seems to make no difference. I've added four new injectors, ECU, TFI, fuel pump, fuel relay, timing belt, TPS checked out fine, and Inertia switch checks out. Fuel pressure is 55psi at the Schrader Valve Do yall think it would possibly be the distributor(stator) or the fusible links(which I cannot seem to find)??? Do you know how this story ended??? Conclusion???