This is topic Car starts sometimes....???? in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by An86TexasStang (Member # 5806) on :
 
Hello,
I am having a difficult time with my 86 5.0. A few weeks ago I got into my car and drove it about 5 miles and then I got back into the car and tried to start it and it wouldn't start, it will turn over and try to start but it won't. I can hear the fuel pump priming, but nothing happens. I have checked voltage to my battery, across the coil and I have 12v. I have head that I can take out the number 1 spark plug and keep it in the boot and hold it close to the block to see if it is getting a spark. Does anyone have any ideas or ever come across this?
[patriot]
 
Posted by two-gun kid (Member # 5891) on :
 
its your starter solinoid.
when it gets hot it doesnt want to work but when it cools down it will work.
 
Posted by An86TexasStang (Member # 5806) on :
 
I just replaced the starter last year. I has been sitting for about 8 days and this evening I tried to start it and it will turn over and try to start but won't, do you still think it is the starter?
J-
 
Posted by two-gun kid (Member # 5891) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by An86TexasStang:
I just replaced the starter last year. I has been sitting for about 8 days and this evening I tried to start it and it will turn over and try to start but won't, do you still think it is the starter?
J-
i would replace it and see if it starts.
its a common problem with 5.0's
 
Posted by An86TexasStang (Member # 5806) on :
 
Just to make sure, where is the starter solenoid located at? I replaced the starter, but is that the same thing?
 
Posted by BlueOvalRacing (Member # 1531) on :
 
two gun, why would you tell someone to replace their starter when they said that it TURNS OVER and won't start? Nice way to waste the guys money... [Roll Eyes]

86Texas, check to see if you have spark at the coil wire or plug wire first. You can use an old spark plug to check it, just lay the threads against something metal to ground it, and have someone crank it while you watch for spark. Start there and let us know what you find.
 
Posted by An86TexasStang (Member # 5806) on :
 
Sounds good, I will try to work on that tomorrow. I'll let you know what the outcome is. Thanks again!
J-
[patriot]
 
Posted by MustangNate (Member # 4559) on :
 
My 86 did that to me after I installed an MSD billet distributor, the distributor got real hot and fried the TFI module. Replaced the TFI, thermostat, got an electric fan & aluminum radiator and solved that problem.
 
Posted by two-gun kid (Member # 5891) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by BlueOvalRacing:
two gun, why would you tell someone to replace their starter when they said that it TURNS OVER and won't start? Nice way to waste the guys money... [Roll Eyes]

86Texas, check to see if you have spark at the coil wire or plug wire first. You can use an old spark plug to check it, just lay the threads against something metal to ground it, and have someone crank it while you watch for spark. Start there and let us know what you find.
at least i was attempting to help.
it could be easier for him to change the starter.
 
Posted by BlueOvalRacing (Member # 1531) on :
 
It would be easier to change the shift knob also, but it makes as much sense as changing a known good starter.
Trying to help is one thing, but not reading the post completely before running up your post count and wasting a guys time and $ is a bit different. Think before you type.
 
Posted by An86TexasStang (Member # 5806) on :
 
Well,
I had a friend over to help me troubleshoot and he brought over a new instrument that he hooked up to the sparkplug and we got no spark. Do you think it is the TFI module? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
J-
 
Posted by roneeron (Member # 3245) on :
 
I had the exact same problem with my 91 and changing my coil solved it.
 
Posted by An86TexasStang (Member # 5806) on :
 
Is the TFI the same thing as the coil? I am new to the game and need a lil help.
J-
 
Posted by BlueOvalRacing (Member # 1531) on :
 
No, the TFI module is attached to the outside of the distributor. The coil is on the fenderwell. Even though the TFI module is very likely bad (especially if it is original), the stator that the module plugs into inside the distributor is also a high failure rate part for that year. The TFI is easy to change, but I would recommend replacing both, which means pulling the distributor and pressing off the gear to access the stator, or finding a known good distributor to swap out.
The coil could also be the problem, but I would lean toward the stator/tfi based on your description. If you know someone that would let you try their coil, give that a shot first. After that, I would change the stator/tfi.
 
Posted by 91Trunkster (Member # 6598) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by roneeron:
I had the exact same problem with my 91 and changing my coil solved it.
+1 for the coil, I had an S10 that had a similar problem and it ended up being the coil.
 
Posted by An86TexasStang (Member # 5806) on :
 
Well, I have a problem, what if I am getting 12v at the coil? I guess it passes through the coil and then to the TFI mosule? Is that right? So changing the coil would not safice,right? I would also have to change the TFI too?
J-
 
Posted by MustangNate (Member # 4559) on :
 
The TFI module takes a special size socket to remove, I think it's like 5.5mm or something stupid.
 
Posted by An86TexasStang (Member # 5806) on :
 
Thanks for the insight. Looks like I have a project this weekend. I will keep you all tuned in. Is there a way to look at the distributor and it show indications that the TFI is bad?
J-
 
Posted by BlueOvalRacing (Member # 1531) on :
 
not really, but you can pull the small cover off the module to see if the film is bubbled from a transistor overheating. it's not a sure thing, but it might show you a problem.

*edit* 5.5mm or 7/32" socket both work.

[ July 28, 2006, 02:09 AM: Message edited by: BlueOvalRacing ]
 
Posted by roneeron (Member # 3245) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by An86TexasStang:
Well, I have a problem, what if I am getting 12v at the coil? I guess it passes through the coil and then to the TFI mosule? Is that right? So changing the coil would not safice,right? I would also have to change the TFI too?
J-
How old is the coil on your car? I wasn't sure how old mine was since I bought the car used so my thinking was to change it and if it didn't work then I just considered it part of the tuneup I needed to do anyway. As it turned out, it did fix my problem.

My experience with the coil was no start when the motor was hot.
With the TFI, the motor would start if hot but if it got too hot the motor would die. It would start again, then die again.

Good luck with it!
 
Posted by An86TexasStang (Member # 5806) on :
 
Well today I took off the TFI and took it to Autozone and they tested it and it definately FAILED. I purchase a new one and will be putting it on tomorrow. Is there anything I need to do to the distributor, as in marking it or with the rotor inside the distribitor cap? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
J-
[patriot]
 
Posted by BlueOvalRacing (Member # 1531) on :
 
If you got the TFI off without moving the dist, you don't have to do anything else. If you move it, then you need to mark it and/or have a timing light.
 
Posted by An86TexasStang (Member # 5806) on :
 
Well,
This afternoon I replaced my TFI, coil and another problem I found on my car. The new TFI fixed my problem. I found that my serpentine belt was bad and putting a great deal of tension on my car. I just wanted to say thank you all for all of your help in fixing my problem. Thanks again! Have a great weekend!
J-
[patriot]
 




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