fuel problem

[handx2]

i have an 86 5.0. recently i had a problem getting it to start.the fuel pump didn't turn on when i turned the key.i sprayed in some starting fluid,and it fired right up and was fine for several days.this happened two more times,and then it wouldn,t start at all.i replaced the fuel pump and f.p. relay and still no change.the relay clicks when i turn the key,but the f.p. doesn't engage.i'm running out of ideas here.has anybody else ever experienced this problem.what am i missing?any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.thanks wayne

 

[HISSIN50]

when it wont prime, probe the terminals in the FP relay socket with a DMM and post what you get.

also run codes if you get a chance. pay attention to secondary fuel codes. good luck.

 

[handx2]

what is a dmm,and what am i looking for or trying to achieve when i probe the relay .i'm a novice mechanic and i really appreciate your help........wayne

 

[handx2]

is there a fusible link between the relay and the pump?i checked the inertia switch,and thats not it either.i ran a hot wire from the battery to the pump and drove it today.i,m going to drop it off to a mechanic friend in the morning.where can i find wiring diagrams for my car.thanks........wayne

 

[HISSIN50]

Wayne, i dont know much about the nuances of your SD 86 vs SD 88's, but on my 88 there is a fusible link for the FP just off the starter solenoid. from the link, the wire goes to the FP relay, connects to the wire from the relay to the pump.

here is a diagram for an 88 (diagram courtesty of TMoss, site courtesy of S&2B's):

http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/fuel-alt-links-ign-ac.gif

did you ever probe the FP relay terminals? that would tell you which way to chase wires. the relay is like a 4 way stop - and knowing what you are missing at what terminal tells you which way to trace.
good luck.

 

[handx2]

i never got around to probing the relay,mainly because i,m not sure how.i did drop it off to my mechanic today.i hope he can run down the problem.thanks for the link to the veryuseful site.the wiring diagrams will come in handy.thanks ................... wayne

 

[HISSIN50]

ya should have posted asking for more help - we would have walked you through how to test it out. next time.

good luck with it and let us know what it was.

 

[handx2]

i picked my car up from the mechanic and it is running great.i had a broken wire at the relay under the drivers seat.thanks for your help.the link to the wiring diagrams was particularly useful
thanks
wayne

 

[HISSIN50]

thanks Wayne - always nice to see what symptoms equated to what solution.

glad you got it back up and running.