-My 1989 XLT with a 5.0 had an AWFUL surging and would die at stop lights, and these symptoms would get worse as it heated up. Finally, several days ago, it crapped out on me as I was rolling through an intersection, luckily I had enough momentum to pull in to an alley way, but after much unsuccessful attempts to start it, I had to get it towed. Thank God for AAA.
-After some detective work, I found that there was no spark coming from the ignition coil. After some great help, thanks to this page...
http://easyautodiagnostics.com/ford/4.9L-5.0L-5.8L/ignition-control-module-tests-3
I narrowed it down to the distributor- mounted IGNITION CONTROL MODULE. I replaced the module, and even installed a new coil for good measure, now, I get a strong spark.
-Next, I test fuel pressure at the rail. Between 38 and 45 psi. Looking good right?
Still no start. I have a good battery and starter seems to work fine so it turns over GREAT, but no start. Doesn't even sound like it WANTS to start.
I spray carb cleaner into the dual, vertically-mounted intake and still NOTHING. This made me disregard injector pulse. Because with it should start momentarily with enrichment in the intake right?
-So, with my limited mechanical diagnostic abilities, I've narrowed it down to timing, compression or spark (ALL of the plugs are so bad they will not fire, even though they receive signal). But I turned the distributor rotor back to where it was already marked, shouldn't it be atleast CLOSE to in-time? And also, even if there is a head gasket breach and loss of compression, shouldn't the damn thing atleast TRY to start???
Please help. Any would be appreciated!
-Matt
-After some detective work, I found that there was no spark coming from the ignition coil. After some great help, thanks to this page...
http://easyautodiagnostics.com/ford/4.9L-5.0L-5.8L/ignition-control-module-tests-3
I narrowed it down to the distributor- mounted IGNITION CONTROL MODULE. I replaced the module, and even installed a new coil for good measure, now, I get a strong spark.
-Next, I test fuel pressure at the rail. Between 38 and 45 psi. Looking good right?
Still no start. I have a good battery and starter seems to work fine so it turns over GREAT, but no start. Doesn't even sound like it WANTS to start.
I spray carb cleaner into the dual, vertically-mounted intake and still NOTHING. This made me disregard injector pulse. Because with it should start momentarily with enrichment in the intake right?
-So, with my limited mechanical diagnostic abilities, I've narrowed it down to timing, compression or spark (ALL of the plugs are so bad they will not fire, even though they receive signal). But I turned the distributor rotor back to where it was already marked, shouldn't it be atleast CLOSE to in-time? And also, even if there is a head gasket breach and loss of compression, shouldn't the damn thing atleast TRY to start???
Please help. Any would be appreciated!
-Matt