Hi, I have an '88 F-250 with the 351 (5.8L) and a manual transmission that wont start... I know i'm getting good spark and air, she will run on ether but as soon as the ether stops so does the engine. i feel like this is probably a wiring issue or a computer issue but i'm not sure. When the key is in the "on" position there is no check engine light, When i jump the self test pins to get the blink codes the CEL just comes on and stays solid.

Any help would be great!
Thanks!

 

Check the fuel pressure! The will tell you if the pumps are working. No fuel pressure = no fuel. If you got fuel pressure then your injectors are not firing. and we can go from there.

 

When you turn the key forward can you hear the in-tank pump turn on? You should be able to here it prime the system. Otherwise if it is turning on, it might be going bad and not creating enough pressure, in which case pressure would need to be checked anyway. Another thought, is there gas in the tank? I've been fooled by gauges before.

 

Those items right there point to a bad PCM. Skip to the chase, pull out the PCM, open it up and look for signs of leaking capacitors and/or burn marks.

 

Thats exactly what i was suspecting... ill update again tonight after i work on it a little bit, i only have a couple hours of daylight left so im out to get to it!