Starting Problem

87ASCMcSteve · Post by **87ASCMcSteve** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:35 pm

I have an '87 and have an intermitent starting problem. The starter will crank but it won't start. At the Cadillac dealer I work at, I have talked with 3 mechanics and one service writer who said they think it is in the Ignition Control Module for the distributor. The service writer said he used to own an' 87 Mustang and that was a common problem with them. Any thoughts? It hasn't happened in the last 8 days that I have tried to start it, but who knows when it will occur next?!

Post by **negusm** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 2:27 am

More than likely it's the ignition module (tfi).

I would try one of those. If it isn't that, you should still keep a spare handy.

-Mike

87ASCMcSteve · Post by **87ASCMcSteve** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:35 pm

Thanks, Mike. Sounds like you know of that problem from experience!!

86capri62 · Post by **86capri62** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 12:12 am

Very good chances its the TFI module. If not try the coil wire.

ProTouringASC · Post by **ProTouringASC** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 2:12 am

In order for the engine to run, you need Suck, Squeeze, Bang, and Blow.

Suck and Squeeze should be easy to tell, does the started labor against compression when its cranking?

Bang requires a few ingredients. First you need the previously mentioned Suck and Squeeze. Next you need fuel, does the fuel pump run when you cycle the key? Finally, you need spark. Pull a spark plug wire, and using a screwdriver stuck in the end, hold the screwdriver over a grounded piece of metal. Do you have a good, thick, bright spark?

Blow is the byproduct of all of the above mentioned commotion. If they all work, there is no need to check for this devil.

If the car shuts off, and won't start until it cools, the ignition module would be my first suspect. If it sometimes fails to start cold however, you may find it to be the fuel pump or fuel pump relay. Nonetheless, throwing parts at it isn't the best way to go about it unless you are simply replacing that which mileage alone indicates is needed.

As an example, when my '89 broke down, it would start again after it cooled a bit. This would normally indicate an ignition module, but I also had a very loud fuel pump. Since the car ran fine by the time I got it towed home, I went for the mileage thought, and replace the Ignition Module, Ignition Coil, Fuel Pump Relay, and Fuel Pump, though I am pretty certain the real culprit was the fuel pump.

Hope this helps!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

Post by **negusm** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 2:27 am

Fuel pump could be another one.

If/when the starting problem happens, cycle your key (don't crank the engine) a bunch of times. You should hear the fuel pump turn on and off.

Do it like 5 times then try to start the car. Sometimes when a fuel pump is about to give up, cycling it can make it pump up enough pressure to get the car started...and once started the pump may have enough life to keep it going.

-Mike

87ASCMcSteve · Post by **87ASCMcSteve** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 4:21 am

WOW! You guys are wonderful! Thanks so much for all the tips. Will try them.

hanksgt · Post by **hanksgt** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 5:38 am

My '89 did the same thing. Got an AC/Delco lifetime warranty fuel pump. I replaced that one 3 more times under warranty in a 2 year span. Last time (6 years ago) I put a Ford/Walbro pump back in. No more problems. And NEVER run the tanks in our cars under 1/4 tank. The fuel cools the pump.

ProTouringASC wrote: As an example, when my '89 broke down, it would start again after it cooled a bit. This would normally indicate an ignition module, but I also had a very loud fuel pump. Since the car ran fine by the time I got it towed home, I went for the mileage thought, and replace the Ignition Module, Ignition Coil, Fuel Pump Relay, and Fuel Pump, though I am pretty certain the real culprit was the fuel pump.

Hope this helps!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

tfs2121 · Post by **tfs2121** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:12 pm

hanksgt wrote: And NEVER run the tanks in our cars under 1/4 tank. The fuel cools the pump.

this goes for ANY car. and if you have a GM this is very impoartant to follow.

i have found most pumps on the market are crap. i like to use a delfi pump when ever i do a fuel pump at work

87ASCMcSteve · Post by **87ASCMcSteve** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:34 pm

To Mike in N. Carolina, I think you may have hit upon a solution to my problem. Car has started every day in the last 2 weeks since my ill-fated attempt to go to the big Mustang show in Silver Springs, Fl. until this morning. I cycled the ignition on and off for 8 times and the car started fine. So it sounds to me now that the problem is in the fuel pump. Thx again for all your thoughts!

Post by **negusm** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 5:41 pm

Good chance it is then.

Don't know if there is another test, but if it's the original pump it's probably ready to be replaced. I would buy a FOMOCO one too as was suggested.

-Mike