I have an 89 2.3L. Last night as I approached the driveway, it cut off as if turning off the key. The engine will turn over but not fire. (havn't checked for spark yet).

I noticed shorted wire (insulation blown off) years ago but nothing was acting up so I ignored it. I traced the wire down and it goes to the crank shaft sensor. There is a bundle of wires and about 6" towards the firewall, one wire comes out and goes in a single wire plastic connector (direcly under the manifold). This single wire is the one that shorted and blew off the insulation to the point it is bundled together heading towards the sensor.

It appears this wire goes into a foil shielded bundle. I haven't cut into it yet. There appeared to be a few strands still connected.

Any clue if this wire is the culprit and if so why it is just now being a problem?

Thanks - Chris in GA

 

I checked out the wire yesterday. I found it is a bare wire with no insulation. I spiced it back together and still had nothing. I check a plug and it has spark.

I can get a code checker next week. Any ideas where to start?

 

if you have good spark the ing. system is likley ok. check fuel pressure at schrader valve.(looks like a tire valve stem). located on left side of engine in between intake runners in fuel line.should be 35 lbs.

 

How to you check the pressure? I went to the autoparts store and two different ones didn't have the right end connection. The cap that came off the schrader valve fits the tire valve stem but a tire pressure gauge won't push in the valve stem??

 

ford does use a different size than GM but any auto parts should have what you need.
try Auto Zone,probally can rent one there.

 

The wire with no insulation is a ground shield for the dis wiring. It commonly breaks apart because it is exposed to the elements. It will help keep the iginition module wiring from picking up any stray signals that may cause driveability problems. It will NOT cause a no start. Check your fuel system as already described in this thread. Does the pump run for two seconds when the key is turned before the engine is cranked? Is the inertia switch under the pass dash tripped? Is the fuel pump relay going bad? If you don't have a gage push the pin on the valve in with a screwdriver. Have a rag handy and wear safety glasses (fuel in eyes hurts)! If you get a squirt you have pressure, no squirt, start checking the fuel system.

Good luck, keep posting!

 

I checked everything above. I know the pump is running and makes a giser when you turn on the key but I don't know if the pressure is high enough. I'm getting a gauge to check it tomorrow. I'll report back.

 

I checked the pressure with a real gauge. It reads 38 psi. I think this is good enough but it still won't start up.

Suggestions would be appreciated

 

check timing belt, jumped time mabye?remove belt cover,pointer needs to line up with dot on gear,crank pointer needs to be at TDC,remove dist cap,rotor needs to point to #1