Like has been said, basics first. Gotta have compression, fuel pressure and spark for an engine to run. Tests are needed and results posted here, with pics if see something we should see.
Have power won't start
- Thread starter James Robinson
- Start date
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Like has been said, basics first. Gotta have compression, fuel pressure and spark for an engine to run. Tests are needed and results posted here, with pics if see something we should see.
Gas floored is a flood clear, wouldn’t start I should think.
For the OP (if they ever do come back LOL) I had a 97 PU that got its starter replaced in a walmart parking lot because i did not check the AC compressor. The AC compressor was locked up and with key off you could rotate the engine by hand because the AC clutch is not engaged unless the key switch is on!. 2 seconds to unplug the AC compressor clutch is NOW my first move if nothing else is making sense. just sayin that there is some crazy stuff that happens.
Thanks all, never noticed the fuel pump running before but there's no hum now, I'll give the tank a thump in the AM. What would have caused it to shut down after a 20 mile run? I've had problems with a 'security system not allowing a start but then it wouldn't even crank. I don't have any kind of testers other than a vom so can't go any deeper than checking fuses and power.
BTW sorry to jump on another post but the OP got my attention to look for your thoughts.
BTW sorry to jump on another post but the OP got my attention to look for your thoughts.
You can get spark testers and inexpensive fuel pressure gauges for not much money and recommend a mechanic's stethoscope too. Basics for help checking your rig.
The thump on the tank sometimes "excites" the fuel pump and will start pumping fuel again but it is NOT A FIX. I have no idea what MAY have caused it to shut down, if in fact it did.
You can do a quick spark check though. Pull a plug wire of a plug, stick a screwdriver end in the end of the wire and make sure you are touching the metal end of the wire that would attach at the spark plug tip. I have even taken a smaller/slimmer screwdriver and pushed the tip in between the outside of that metal plug wire tip and the inside rubber of the boot to help supply some pressure for a good contact. Then while cranking the engine over, you hold the metal body of the screwdriver close to a metal edge, like the edge of the block where the plug still is, and get within 1/8" and see if spark jumps across that gap. The inexpensive spark testers plug in between the wire and the plug and you can see the spark inside.
The thump on the tank sometimes "excites" the fuel pump and will start pumping fuel again but it is NOT A FIX. I have no idea what MAY have caused it to shut down, if in fact it did.
You can do a quick spark check though. Pull a plug wire of a plug, stick a screwdriver end in the end of the wire and make sure you are touching the metal end of the wire that would attach at the spark plug tip. I have even taken a smaller/slimmer screwdriver and pushed the tip in between the outside of that metal plug wire tip and the inside rubber of the boot to help supply some pressure for a good contact. Then while cranking the engine over, you hold the metal body of the screwdriver close to a metal edge, like the edge of the block where the plug still is, and get within 1/8" and see if spark jumps across that gap. The inexpensive spark testers plug in between the wire and the plug and you can see the spark inside.
