Notices
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator 1991-1994, 1995-2001, 2002-2005, 2006-2010 Ford Explorer

Got spark, fuel... Won't start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 12:58 PM
  #1  
turbok9's Avatar
turbok9
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Got spark, fuel... Won't start

Driving home last night, my 2001 Sport Trac died. Motor just quick. Couldn't get her started, so towed her home.

It turns over fine, perfectly normal, except she won't start. Checked for spark, good and strong. Plenty of fuel pressure, well within spec. SEEMS to be sucking air right, and since she turns over normal I'm assuming for now OK compression...

Wierdness, if I let her sit for a couple hours she'll fire for a second then quit, or if I prop the plate at the mouth of the intake open she'll fire intermittently but won't actually run.

Anyone have any ideas? I'm an old school carb and rotors guy, I barely know what I'm looking at under the hood here, I'm scratching my head bald staring befuddled at all the wires and sensors.... Please don't say 'timing chain' because I'm in complete denial that I jumped time, hehe. Besides, to me, it doesn't fit given the behavior of the engine, although I could be very well be wrong. .

Edit: Also, code reader says no codes...
 

Last edited by turbok9; Feb 14, 2010 at 01:03 PM. Reason: Add info
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 01:05 PM
  #2  
freakboy's Avatar
freakboy
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
my moms car had the same problem the spark plugs were so F***ed up that it wouldnt run or start we thought it was timing chain but it sounded perfect we also thought it was fuel pump changed that then we thought it was the computer then i told my dad we should check plugs and we did hey would you look at tht they were 2 years old lol.. changed them ran like a champ
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 01:13 PM
  #3  
turbok9's Avatar
turbok9
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by freakboy
my moms car had the same problem the spark plugs were so F***ed up that it wouldnt run or start we thought it was timing chain but it sounded perfect we also thought it was fuel pump changed that then we thought it was the computer then i told my dad we should check plugs and we did hey would you look at tht they were 2 years old lol.. changed them ran like a champ
TX, I'll pull one and take a peak... I bought her a couple months ago so I suppose it's possible... but since she ran OK and just suddenly died w/ no warning while driving I have my doubts. Still, worth I check I suppose!
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 02:05 PM
  #4  
freakboy's Avatar
freakboy
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
yeah cause my moms car ran great but then started boggin down up hills then it just wouldnt start at all.. might be the same problem even tho my moms car is a expidition... but no harm in checking.. the gap on our plugs were suposed to be like.030 but they were like .075
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 03:17 PM
  #5  
powersmoked's Avatar
powersmoked
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
it is a little weird. I have heard of an iacv that got screwed up and kept the truck from starting. i wonder if you started pulling off the maf, the iacv, etc pull them off one at a time and see if anything happens, what engine do you have.
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 03:33 PM
  #6  
turbok9's Avatar
turbok9
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by powersmoked
it is a little weird. I have heard of an iacv that got screwed up and kept the truck from starting. i wonder if you started pulling off the maf, the iacv, etc pull them off one at a time and see if anything happens, what engine do you have.
It's the 4.0 SOHC. Just hooked up an actual guage and fuel is at 62 PSI. I know sometimes they'll just die if there is a sudden drop in the PSI due to the fuel pump or filter going all at once, but I'm good there. Spark is good, plugs are good. I'm friggin' baffled. I wish there was an easy way to check to see if she jumped a tooth or two, I really don't want to take her half apart just to find out the timing chain is OK...

So far I've purchased a code reader, multi meter, fuel pressure tester, etc and dropped over $200 and haven't even diagnosed the issue yet .

At least my toolbox is looking pro now.

I'll pull the MAF and IAC like you suggest and see what happens....

What's really got me wondering is that she'll fire a bit if she sits a couple hours, then nothing. That SO sounds like a fuel issue... What controls the injectors? Could something have failed that's causing the injectors to malfunction, maybe slowly drip into the intake over time, causing it to fire just a little after a few hours?

Stewpid truckster.
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 03:36 PM
  #7  
powersmoked's Avatar
powersmoked
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
clean the iacv see what happens check your air filter and the air intake for blockage. if your used starter fluid would it fire up? you have enough good gas?. any codes even if the light is off. the cel comes on when the key is on right?
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 03:39 PM
  #8  
turbok9's Avatar
turbok9
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by powersmoked
clean the iacv see what happens check your air filter and the air intake for blockage. if your used starter fluid would it fire up? you have neough good gas?
Half a tank fresh gas... Won't run on starter fluid, but will sputter a bit with intake propped open. I'm going out to check the IAC now....
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-4

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-6

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 03:40 PM
  #9  
powersmoked's Avatar
powersmoked
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
clean the butterfly valve on the throttle body
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 03:44 PM
  #10  
turbok9's Avatar
turbok9
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by powersmoked
clean the iacv see what happens check your air filter and the air intake for blockage. if your used starter fluid would it fire up? you have enough good gas?. any codes even if the light is off. the cel comes on when the key is on right?
No codes... I have an actron Pocket Scan, goes through the read cycle OK comes up "No Codes".
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 03:46 PM
  #11  
powersmoked's Avatar
powersmoked
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
does the throttle positioning sensor(or another sensor)tell the pcm to open the injectors? do you have a noid light to test the injectors?
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 04:03 PM
  #12  
powersmoked's Avatar
powersmoked
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
how about the camshaft positioning sensor if that goes and throws off the timing would you still have spark and fuel? could you have a giant vacuum leak any hoses some how pop off?
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 04:05 PM
  #13  
turbok9's Avatar
turbok9
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by powersmoked
does the throttle positioning sensor(or another sensor)tell the pcm to open the injectors? do you have a noid light to test the injectors?

No light, but my multimeter jumps around when turning over if I probe an injector. So I know they are getting some voltage. Not sure what is supposed to be telling who, what. LOL. I'm too old for this newfangled electronic jimble jamble. Should have bought a beat up 72 f-250 w/ a granny gear... LOL.
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 04:07 PM
  #14  
turbok9's Avatar
turbok9
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
hoses look good... Not sure about the CPS.... Can I test that somehow? I'll google it... I have enough diagnostic gear to open a shop now anyway.

Wouldn't that give a code if the camshaft sensor were bad? Or only if it went out over time?
 
Reply
Old Feb 14, 2010 | 04:49 PM
  #15  
powersmoked's Avatar
powersmoked
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
i think the cps should give a code. I think you can test it with a multimeter I dont know the specs. I ran out of ideas so i was reaching for anything. cps, tps, etc.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:04 AM.

story-0
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-02 21:45:57


VIEW MORE
story-1
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-5
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE