1990 E250 5.8 Won’t Start

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Nov 3, 2025 | 04:00 PM

Declan71

Thread Starter

2nd Gear

Joined: Nov 2025

Posts: 2

Likes: 1

1990 E250 5.8 Won’t Start

My van was running perfect until a couple of weeks ago. Replaced plugs, leads, rotor, cap, fuel filter. I believe the fuel filter was probably the original after removal the fuel coming out of both ends was black. I’m concerned that this might have travelled through the system. Currently the van won’t start on its own. I give it a spray of easy start and crank with no throttle and it will fire. Do this a few times and it starts and runs at very low rpm with no miss fires. Let it tick over and after about 5 mins and it suddenly all kicks in. When it kicks in it is like a valve has become unstuck. Nice loud gush from the throttle body. I’ve removed cleaned and tested the IACV. Resistance is correct and when plugged in and ignition on the spool moves about 1/8” (is this enough) I have suspicions it could be the egr valve or what else could it be.

Nov 4, 2025 | 07:55 PM

manicmechanic007

Hotshot

Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 10,470

Likes: 2,633

From: Near Salt Lake City

I'd check the fuel pressure and the EEC4 codes
I'd also drive it around with a fuel pressure gauge on it
Black fuel is not good
I'd take a fuel sample from before the fuel filter and put it in a clear glass jar or beaker for close inspection
Fuel tank contamination comes to mind

Nov 9, 2025 | 01:19 PM

Turbogus 1

Mountain Pass

Joined: Sep 2023

Posts: 158

Likes: 8

A few days after I purchased 'Strayhound' she suddenly died on a main street in Corvallis. Turned out the negative battery cable had slipped off the stud under the van.