won't start/stalls

T

tommiswizzle

Registered
Our Lincoln suddenly today stopped starting. It occasionally starts for a moment, then stalls. Hubby thinks it's the fuel filter. Does that sound reasonable, and if so, where is it located?

It's a 97, with approx 110,000 miles.
 
Passenger side front wheel well....gotta take the fender liner out. AND - you need the fuel line tool to replace it....cheap at Auto Zone or Advance Auto etc....but could also be the crank sensor connector. That's located under the alternator on block. Start by just wiggling the wire and try starting again.
 
Crank sensor is under the AC compressor on the passenger side of the engine. Don't think that's it, it wouldn't start at all if it was bad. Most likely not the fuel filter because it would act up after running for a long time.

You're gonna need to do some diagnosing after it won't start to see if you're not getting spark or fuel that way were not guessing.
 
still won't start

still won't start

This is the scenario on no start...from when it became a problem. I jump started my son's maverick. The lincoln had been running for ten minutes. I took the cables off his car...no arcs or touching of cables. The lincoln was running for about 30 seconds more and then just stopped.

I put some more gas in it...it was low...waiting for pay to get in bank...I went to start it again...it just about started and then stalled. The starter is turning over just fine. Checked for lose wires where suggested...no change.

As far as why I suspect fuel filter...it did this once before about a month ago. No jump start involved, but had been idling for a few minutes then stalled. I cranked it for quite a while that time and it started...ran quite rough, but seemed to work through it.

I am going to go put the eco sensor on it and see if it comes up with any readings. If nothing...I hope what I wrote up gives an idea of what I should try to focus on.

Thank you!

Tom

PS - By the way...the tail light thing with the fuse a couple weeks ago...thank you...I can live without the big light for a while.
 
I put the code reader on it with no results.

Tried turning it over a more times. It is not igniting fuel, but I don't know if it is getting to it. I don't smell any unburnt fuel after several attempts.

I guess I'm not sure how to diagnose further at this point.
 
Do you hear the fuel pump running when you first key on?

Any chance the fuel pump inertia switch in the trunk is tripped?

Maybe check the shrader valve on the fuel rail to see if there is any fuel pressure?
 
I checked the inertia switch...not popped out and seems to be engaged. I do not hear the fuel pump running, though I'm not sure I've ever noticed. Only the air ride. I don't know where the fuel pump is...in the tank? Also, the shrader valve...I'm not sure what that is...I found something on the chrome lines leading to injectors that has a vacuum tube on it...can you give a description?
 
You found it.....it's on that fuel rail. It's like a tire inflation valve. Just press in the valve stem and see if fuel squirts out. Have a rag handy...don't stand in front of it.

Yes, the fuel pump is in the tank. With the ignition turned to the run position, you should be able to hear it running....feel the tank, I think you can feel it vibrating a little.

If you run the tank low often (which you shouldn't), you may have sucked up some debris..... the fuel filter in under the wheel well cover on front passenger side. You'll need the special tool to replace it. Buy one at AZ or Advanced Auto (or wherever you buy parts) when you buy the filter.
 
Here is where I am at. Fuel filter is changed...it was a bit nasty. Tried to start it...could hear the fuel pump now that I know what I'm listening for. Still won't start...but, it chugged a few times like it wanted to. Checked the pressure regulator...still no gas comes out the top.

Battery drained down...so I suppose it is a good time for a break while it is charging.
 
Fuel shouldn't come out of the regulator.

Look for the shrader valve, like Bud said, it looks like a tire valve, with a cap on it too.
 
Fuel will not be at the top of the pressure regulator. That is the vacuum side. If fuel is present there, it is a sign of a ruptured diaphragm.

Fuel should be present at the schrader valve which should resemble a tire valve, complete with black plastic threaded cap. Unscrew the cap and while covering the valve with a rag, depress the stem of the valve and check for presence of fuel.

You possibly could have a flooded condition with all the cranking. To clear a flooded EFI engine, depress the accelerator fully to the floor. This signals the injectors to shut off during cranking allowing the flooded condition to clear itself.
 
tommiswizzle said:
That was my bad...I meant to say schrader valve. Does this need to be bled at that valve while someone is turning it over?
Click to expand...

No. It is a return type system which will cycle fuel back to the tank.

Try turning the key on for a few seconds, then turn it off. Repeat several times. This will cause the fuel pump to run a few seconds each cycle to prime the fuel system. Then check for fuel at the schrader valve.
 
I was waiting for someone to say that. Consider me humbled...however, I poured what looked like coffee out of that filter. Once again you saved us a great deal of money and I was able to get the job done.

Thank you for your help.
 
Its what we're here for! :) We figure that if we provide enough advise and assistance, we'll wein 20 bucks from you for a membership. :wave:
 
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