Thread: 87 5.0 Doa

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Ok, this car was running fine, but the lady demanded a manifold gasket swap. Pulled off the plenum, lower intake, bolted it all back together and hit the key. Nothin. Well, actually, it cranks, but doesnt start. The distributor is set to number one/TDC test, the timing is on, and the injectors are clicking. The only clue I have is the fact that the check engine light is not on during initial ignition(light test), but it comes on during cranking. I have spark, I have vacuum draw and I have fuel. If I fully open the throttle plate and spray ether down the plenum, it tries to start. miss-fire-miss-fire-miss-fire, nothing. Anyone who has a good idea on this one HELP!

Try twisting the distributor while the engine is being cranked. Your timing may be too retarded. Otherwise, are you 100% sure your gasket has sealed? Any loose electrical connections?

Im rather sure the gasket sealed. Twisting the distributor may work, and no, all of the connections are cleaned and tight. Any other advice is helpfull, as this will probably be my 2nd prject tomorrow( eagle needs ball joints)

What body style are you working on?
How are you verifying fuel? Pressure guage?
Have check the injector wiring/firing order/connection?

Not trying to insult your intelligence, but it is usually the small things that always bite me.............

See if the main ECU ground, which by chance grounds at the intake, is off or loose. Next, check to see if you reconnected the grounding strap from the engine to the chassis, also on the intake. The CEL should come on when the key is in "on" position and go out momentarily while in "start".

Mad I have dealt with a lot of Mustangs, and the 87-88 models, non mass air, have a place for check engine light but there is no bulb or lamp on those models except for the California models. The only way to diagnose these year models is with a code reader or using a test light at the EEC connector. I am not sure when the other body styles started using the lamp.

Wow, I forgot about this thread. Anyway, what happened is I flooded it. Badly, All the way bak to the injectors. A change of plugs and pumping it rapidly managed to get it firing again. Its running like a top now, but thanks for the advice. It's always appreciated. Oh, and unlike GMs, putting your foot to the floor DOES NOT shut out the fuel pump on these. For the record, it was in a Grand marquis. Normally, this would seem like a joke to everyone, even me, but this car is in Nice shape. And, it has 107 very well maintained miles on it. She got it at 98K. Not bad for 235$