I'm stumped
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: hamilton canada
I'm stumped
I have a 93 aerostar 3.0 auto and have a problem starting it.
I replaced ignition module, coil, distributor cap and rotor but that didn't fix the problem so I thought it must be fuel related as I was getting a variable idle. So I pulled the gas tank and changed the fuel pump. (Just a note if you plan on dropping the tank- make sure you have 2 replacement bolts and clips for the gas tank hold-down straps as they were rusted on).
I thought this would fix the problem but to my surprise it started up but still had the up and down idle. Next I changed the fuel filter (I didn't do it earlier because it looked fairly new). It started up and the idle was smooth.
I thought my problem was finally solved but now sometimes it won't start and if it does start if I shut it off and try to start it right back up it won't start.
I'm running out of ideas ???
I also pulled the tranny pan and it there was a quarter inch of black sludge in the bottom. Cleaned it and put 3 quarts of full synthetic, and new filter.
I replaced ignition module, coil, distributor cap and rotor but that didn't fix the problem so I thought it must be fuel related as I was getting a variable idle. So I pulled the gas tank and changed the fuel pump. (Just a note if you plan on dropping the tank- make sure you have 2 replacement bolts and clips for the gas tank hold-down straps as they were rusted on).
I thought this would fix the problem but to my surprise it started up but still had the up and down idle. Next I changed the fuel filter (I didn't do it earlier because it looked fairly new). It started up and the idle was smooth.
I thought my problem was finally solved but now sometimes it won't start and if it does start if I shut it off and try to start it right back up it won't start.
I'm running out of ideas ???
I also pulled the tranny pan and it there was a quarter inch of black sludge in the bottom. Cleaned it and put 3 quarts of full synthetic, and new filter.
FTE Community Team
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,856
Likes: 266
From: Oak Harbor, Washington
I'm stumped
First, I'd test the theory that the hot-no-start problem is a fuel problem. I'm lazy, so I'd buy a can of ether ("Starting Fluid"), and take it and a 8mm nutdriver with me on my next trip. When you can duplicate the no-start condition, loosen the air intake elbow at the throttle body (remove the ice shield over the throttle linkage before, if you haven't already), open the throttle and give a two-second blast down the throttle body with the ether.
IMPORTANT!
Reconnect the air intake elbow.
Then try to start the rig.
Still No start?
a) Not a fuel delivery problem
b) Flooded -- check fuel regulator for failed diaphragm. BTW, this could also cause your variable idle, the regulator leaking fuel into the intake. Pull the vacuum line and sniff it -- it should NOT smell like fuel.
Starts? (briefly or not)
Perform fuel pressure test ([link:www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/aerostar/378.html#2|https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/aerostar/378.html#2])
With a new fuel pump, new filter, and runs OK on cold start, it's likely that if you have a fuel pressure problem that it's related to a failed fuel pressure regulator. Quite easy to get to on the 3.0l.
Regards,
Al S.
IMPORTANT!
Reconnect the air intake elbow.
Then try to start the rig.
Still No start?
a) Not a fuel delivery problem
b) Flooded -- check fuel regulator for failed diaphragm. BTW, this could also cause your variable idle, the regulator leaking fuel into the intake. Pull the vacuum line and sniff it -- it should NOT smell like fuel.
Starts? (briefly or not)
Perform fuel pressure test ([link:www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/aerostar/378.html#2|https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/aerostar/378.html#2])
With a new fuel pump, new filter, and runs OK on cold start, it's likely that if you have a fuel pressure problem that it's related to a failed fuel pressure regulator. Quite easy to get to on the 3.0l.
Regards,
Al S.
New User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2
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I'm stumped
If you find a fix, PLEASE post. I have the same problem with our 93 replaced fuel pump/strainer/filter/relay. TFI (on firewall) TPS, idle air bypass valve, coolant sensors, oxygen sensor and just today I gave up and put in a new computer still the same. Please pass on any info thanks! --Tim
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From: hamilton canada
I'm stumped
I still have not fixed the variable idle, however I have noticed that it idles fine until I turn the heater on, then it starts to rev up and down--if i turn heater off it idles fine again.
the no start problem which doesn't happen a lot is 100% a fuel problem as I sprayed some start fluid in throttle body and it started up. I bought a new fuel regulator from NAPA but it didn't match up so I haven't replaced it yet.
I cleaned the throttle body which was extremey dirty but didn't really seem to make a difference.
Its started up everyday for a couple weeks so I may hold off on the fuel regulator--I just need to fix the idle problem.
I'll post when I find a solution--may be someone has had similar problems.
the no start problem which doesn't happen a lot is 100% a fuel problem as I sprayed some start fluid in throttle body and it started up. I bought a new fuel regulator from NAPA but it didn't match up so I haven't replaced it yet.
I cleaned the throttle body which was extremey dirty but didn't really seem to make a difference.
Its started up everyday for a couple weeks so I may hold off on the fuel regulator--I just need to fix the idle problem.
I'll post when I find a solution--may be someone has had similar problems.
