• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Car wont start

  • Thread starter Thread starter millhouse
  • Start date Start date May 22, 2005
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last

millhouse

Founding Member
May 14, 2002
1,985
0
46
Simpsonville, SC
May 22, 2005
#1
  • May 22, 2005
  • #1
Well, I completed almost all aspects of the install. When the supposed time of glory came, it would not start.

Let me say that I am trying to start the vehicle without any front end acessories. I do not yet have the battery relocated to the trunk, so I hooked the batter up off the side of the car and also jumped that with another vehicle.

The car cranks nice and quick.

It is getting enough fuel.

The coil is firing to the distributer.

When I hooked up a plug to the plug wire (and grounded it), there was plenty of spark.

All wires are properly located.

I am using autolite 103's gapped at .028 using the stock ignition.

Any and all help would be appreciated.
 

NOSNotch

Founding Member
Oct 20, 2001
577
0
0
South Jersey
May 22, 2005
#2
  • May 22, 2005
  • #2
You didnt say exactly what you installed. Since your moving the battery to the trunk, maybe you removed a ground and skipped over putting it back on or maybe theres a connector unplugged somewhere? If you had your distributor loose/out make sure your timing isnt way off. Im assuming your EFI so is your mass air meter plugged in w/intake tube to throttle body? give some more info and try to help ya out

kevin
 

millhouse

Founding Member
May 14, 2002
1,985
0
46
Simpsonville, SC
May 22, 2005
#3
  • May 22, 2005
  • #3
NOSNotch said:
You didnt say exactly what you installed. Since your moving the battery to the trunk, maybe you removed a ground and skipped over putting it back on or maybe theres a connector unplugged somewhere? If you had your distributor loose/out make sure your timing isnt way off. Im assuming your EFI so is your mass air meter plugged in w/intake tube to throttle body? give some more info and try to help ya out

kevin
Click to expand...

Oops, I installed a turbo system which I fabricated.

All of the grounds were attached the way they were when I parked the car before the fabrication.

The maf is plugged in.

I also had already checked all vacume lines.

The car ran before the turbo install. The distributer was untouched.
 
T

TheUser

Active Member
Jul 25, 2003
1,859
1
36
Springfield, MO
May 22, 2005
#4
  • May 22, 2005
  • #4
Well, if you're positive it has enough fuel and spark and since the distributer hasn't been removed, the timing shouldn't be off; I'd suspect either an overlooked connector, firing order off or not enough ground.

The firing order goes counter-clockwise. If there is not enough groundyou can use a set of jumper cables to act as a temporary ground; attach one end to the neg. battery terminal and the other to a good ground (a/c bracket).
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
May 22, 2005
#5
  • May 22, 2005
  • #5
I would grab a noid light to ensure you have injector pulse.
good luck.
 

millhouse

Founding Member
May 14, 2002
1,985
0
46
Simpsonville, SC
May 22, 2005
#6
  • May 22, 2005
  • #6
The plugs and wires were connected with reference from a haynes manual using the H.O. engine. I am positive the wires are hooked up properly.

It had crossed my mind that the ground may not be in a great spot. The starter though is grounded from the engine, and it cranks great. I had gone through a bad ground before, and the symptoms were the notorious clicking of the cylanoid without the starter turning over.
 

millhouse

Founding Member
May 14, 2002
1,985
0
46
Simpsonville, SC
May 22, 2005
#7
  • May 22, 2005
  • #7
HISSIN50 said:
I would grab a noid light to ensure you have injector pulse.
good luck.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure I follow. The injectors are practically brand new. The engine wiring harness was not touched during the install. I can smell fuel after after cranking it several times.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
May 22, 2005
#8
  • May 22, 2005
  • #8
ok - if you smell fuel (and dont have a leak) you should be alright. if you have good spark and are pretty sure the injectors are firing..........

I would search for the famous attachment people post for the firing order. I have once seen the firing order in the repair manual be wrong (on a GM - i went nuts for an hour trying to figure it out). having spark and fuel should have at least at attempt to catch.

good luck with it.
 

woodyy24

New Member
Mar 30, 2005
290
0
0
illinois
May 22, 2005
#9
  • May 22, 2005
  • #9
gap is supposed to be .050 i think. thats what i use everytime anyway.
 
D

DouglasOhio

New Member
Jul 25, 2004
116
0
0
Canton Ohio
May 22, 2005
#10
  • May 22, 2005
  • #10
Just a quick thought, when i want my engine to crank and not start, like you are saying yours is doing, i disconnect the computer ground. Its attached to the main battery ground where it grounds to the firewall. Maybe some dirt got in the harness link (3 or 4 inches from the firewall down the wire, 2 black plastic pieces one male one female) or its not fully clicked into place. Just a thought, good luck.
EDIT: i just reread your post and i think this may be it. Since u dont have the battery in place, you might not have the computer ground attached because the battery isnt in the original spot......
 

millhouse

Founding Member
May 14, 2002
1,985
0
46
Simpsonville, SC
May 23, 2005
#11
  • May 23, 2005
  • #11
DouglasOhio said:
Just a quick thought, when i want my engine to crank and not start, like you are saying yours is doing, i disconnect the computer ground. Its attached to the main battery ground where it grounds to the firewall. Maybe some dirt got in the harness link (3 or 4 inches from the firewall down the wire, 2 black plastic pieces one male one female) or its not fully clicked into place. Just a thought, good luck.
EDIT: i just reread your post and i think this may be it. Since u dont have the battery in place, you might not have the computer ground attached because the battery isnt in the original spot......
Click to expand...

Hmm...

I'll have to check into that. The location of the battery hasnt moved per say. It's just outside of the engine bay. All of the connections are in the same location as they were before, just pushed off to the side.
 

millhouse

Founding Member
May 14, 2002
1,985
0
46
Simpsonville, SC
May 23, 2005
#12
  • May 23, 2005
  • #12
Well, apparently my dad got it to start this morning. I had some difficulties trying to get it to turn over yesterday. My best guess is that it got flooded. I imagine the 42lb squirters are not forgiving in the least bit with starting problems. Some more good news is…it did not smoke upon startup. It seems like the seals on the turbo's might be fine (I bought them used).
 

woodyy24

New Member
Mar 30, 2005
290
0
0
illinois
May 23, 2005
#13
  • May 23, 2005
  • #13
 

NKau

Founding Member
Dec 15, 2001
1,346
0
37
Jefferson, WI
May 23, 2005
#14
  • May 23, 2005
  • #14
millhouse said:
Well, apparently my dad got it to start this morning. I had some difficulties trying to get it to turn over yesterday. My best guess is that it got flooded.
Click to expand...

Good deal. If you continue having what you believe to be flooding issues, shoot some starting fluid into the intake; this will normally get your engine to fire if it is flooded, and will confirm your suspicion that the engine is indeed flooding. Hopefully you will get that taken care of with a good tune.
 

NakedRaygun

New Member
May 8, 2005
93
0
0
Chicago, Illinois
May 23, 2005
#15
  • May 23, 2005
  • #15
millhouse said:
Well, apparently my dad got it to start this morning. I had some difficulties trying to get it to turn over yesterday. My best guess is that it got flooded. I imagine the 42lb squirters are not forgiving in the least bit with starting problems. Some more good news is…it did not smoke upon startup. It seems like the seals on the turbo's might be fine (I bought them used).
Click to expand...
Can't wait to see the pictures/movies, I'm basically doing the same thing as you...what kit did you buy to relocate the battery or did you make your own? I'm wondering what gauge wire would work.
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
May 23, 2005
#16
  • May 23, 2005
  • #16
if one floors the gas pedal while (AND ONLY WHILE) cranking, it will cut the injector pulse and help clear a flood condition.

good luck with it.
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,811
234
Dublin GA
May 23, 2005
#17
  • May 23, 2005
  • #17
Dump the codes to make sure you don't have an ECT problem which would cause the flooding on cold cranking.

Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…

Here's the link to dump the computer codes with only a jumper wire or paper clip and the check engine light, or test light or voltmeter. I’ve used it for years, and it works great.

See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
OR
See http://www.mustangworks.com/articles/electronics/eec-iv_codes.html

IF your car is an 86-88 stang, you'll have to use the test lamp or voltmeter method. There is no functional check engine light on the 86-88's except possibly the Cali Mass Air cars.

Codes have different answers if the engine is running from the answers that it has when the engine isn't running. It helps a lot to know if you had the engine running when you ran the test.

Trouble codes are either 2 digit or 3 digit, there are no cars that use both 2 digit codes and 3 digit codes.

For those who are intimidated by all the wires & connections, see http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153 for what a typical hand scanner looks like. Normal retail price is about $30 or so at AutoZone or Walmart.

Or for a nicer scanner see http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?3829 – It has a 3 digit LCD display so that you don’t have to count flashes or beeps.. Cost is $33.

Rear mounted battery ground wiring. Follow this plan and you will have zero ground problems.

One 1 gauge or 1/0 gauge wire from battery negative post to a clean shiny spot on the chassis near the battery. Use a 5/16” bolt and bolt it down to make the rear ground. Use a 1 gauge or 1/0 gauge wire from the rear ground bolt to a clean shiny spot on the block.

One 4 gauge wire from the block where you connected the battery ground wire to the chassis ground where the battery was mounted up front. Use a 5/16” bolt and bolt down the 4 gauge engine to chassis ground, make sure that it the metal around the bolt is clean & shiny. This is the alternator power ground.

Crimp or even better, solder the lugs on the all the wire. The local auto stereo shop will have them if the auto parts store doesn't. Use some heat shrink tubing to cover the lugs and make things look nice.

The computer has a dedicated power ground wire with a cylindrical quick connect (about 2 ½”long by 1” diameter. It comes out of the wiring harness near the ignition coil & starter solenoid (or relay). Be sure to bolt it to the chassis ground in the same place as you bolted the alternator power ground. This is an absolute don’t overlook it item for EFI cars
 

millhouse

Founding Member
May 14, 2002
1,985
0
46
Simpsonville, SC
May 23, 2005
#18
  • May 23, 2005
  • #18
NakedRaygun said:
Can't wait to see the pictures/movies, I'm basically doing the same thing as you...what kit did you buy to relocate the battery or did you make your own? I'm wondering what gauge wire would work.
Click to expand...

Here is a link to my buildup thread---->my diy turbo build

I was planning on picking up some heavy gage welding cables for relocating the battery.

As far as how to hook it up, it seems jrichker has the info on that. Now if he just throws in the + hookup, I wont have to search on how to do it .

BTW, thanks for the info on the codes jrichker. Once I get everything hooked up I'll have to give it a try.
 

millhouse

Founding Member
May 14, 2002
1,985
0
46
Simpsonville, SC
May 23, 2005
#19
  • May 23, 2005
  • #19
HISSIN50 said:
if one floors the gas pedal while (AND ONLY WHILE) cranking, it will cut the injector pulse and help clear a flood condition.

good luck with it.
Click to expand...

I found that to be an option...but not having the filters on the turbo's scares me. I dont want the turbo's getting even a hint of spool until those puppies are safe. Now that it actually started, I'll let it be until I get the belt hooked up and the battery relocated. Atleast then if it doesnt start, I know I did wired something wrong.
 

woodyy24

New Member
Mar 30, 2005
290
0
0
illinois
May 24, 2005
#20
  • May 24, 2005
  • #20
millhouse said:
Here is a link to my buildup thread---->my diy turbo build

I was planning on picking up some heavy gage welding cables for relocating the battery.

As far as how to hook it up, it seems jrichker has the info on that. Now if he just throws in the + hookup, I wont have to search on how to do it .
Click to expand...
thats what i used. just finished the re-location a few days ago.
cost. 42.89 for the cable (16 feet)
35.00 for the box and strap.


 
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Electrical HELP! 1989 5.0 Stick, Voltage Bleed onto Ignition Trigger wire
  • ChickenDeluxe
  • May 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
143
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 24, 2026
ChickenDeluxe
C
S
Electrical Stumped No Start...
  • sydhawk
  • Oct 28, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
8
Views
258
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 29, 2025
sydhawk
S
C
Electrical Under dash wiring
  • ChicagoMustang
  • Apr 17, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
1
Views
94
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Apr 17, 2026
AeroCoupe
L
Engine Why won't the motor start if I have spark and fuel
  • LeviAnderson
  • Nov 20, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
3
Views
389
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 20, 2025
AeroCoupe
B
Engine Another no start after washing engine bay
  • bruno
  • Apr 26, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
24
Views
487
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 7, 2026
AeroCoupe
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang 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?