I changed the plugs, oil, wires, and distributor cap on my 86 V6 'bird and it is still having a problem starting. It will turn over for a long time before finally catching. Then it sputters and finally starts runnnig properly. Any ideas? the car has 228,000 k. Is there some way to test the distributor?

 

6-Hole,

A good place to start is to determine whether or not you have spark when your experience the no-start condition. Typically, you either have spark, or you don't. Extended cranking doesn't usuallty change the spark output. If anything, a failing/weak ignition system will tend to lose spark output once it is operating and warms up, not the reverse.

You may want to investigate the fuel delivery. It sounds as if your fuel pump may not be running immediately when you turn the ignition on, but may be operating by the auxilliary oil pressure switch once the engine has been cranked for a while and produced some oil pressure.

This is an MPFI system, correct?

 

yes
I turned the ignition switch to the on postion (but not cranking) and listened for the feul pump. It does make a buzzing sound for a couple of seconds and then stops.

 

O.K. That's normal, and the pump is apparently running its prime cycle.

If you can find an assistant, have them crank the engine briefly while you test for spark. If that's all good, you need to look into fuel delivery.

If you have a fuel pressure gauge available, you should test the fuel rail pressure during this prime cycle.

I take it this in an MPPI engine?

 

How do you test for spark?

 

with a spark checker, that'll tell you if you have spark or not as well as a strong enough spark. i'd suspect the fuel pump isn't putting out.