It seems that everyone has this problem, why i dont know. Well my 89 350Formula has issues. The car wont restart, but will restart when i put starting fluid in it but then wont restart after that. I took it to mechanic but he said it was ok but i guess he didnt drive it. I have changed out cap and rotor plugs and wires were ok. Fuel pressure is good it was marking at 40 psi. I hope some can help me out before i shoot myself. Thanks

 

Any takers on this issue?

 

Does anyone think it could be the ignition module or the coil?

 

woah . you originally posted in august with no replies yet, I have no clue .. your saying your car starts with starter fluid but wont turn on after that by itself?? Has it been sitting for along time??? Usually the gas will go back after awhile and the injectors might get clogged .................. I'd run the crap out of it on the expressway till it cleared out. Of course thats if its been sitting for a bit.

 

Sounds like it may be a fuel pump relay.

 

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If you don't mine I need to rephrase this sentence, "The car wont restart, but will restart when i put starting fluid in it but then wont restart after that."
Please be patient I'm not being rude, I know it's perfectly clear to you, this is only to ensure I understand what was said.

"The engine cranks, but will not start, or restart without a fuel prime."
I need to know if this true before making any suggestions, if not please correct my rephrasing of the statement.
If this is true then I assume the mechanic's "Ok" meant that the the car started and idled just fine, if so then it was a coincidence that it started for him on the first try.

To see injector spray it needs to be a TBI for which fuel psi would 12-15, he said 40psi so it must be a TPI.

 

I have ran the hell out of it and put premium gas and injector cleaner, and when i go back home the car wont restart when i park it until it cools down.

 

Have you checked for any codes. If no codes. time for a little process of elimination. If you have fuel pressure, try replacing the fuel pressure regulator.

 

you can get replies up the Wazooo on "replace this and that" but if wont restart after its hot until it cools down doesn't that sound like the ignition module under the distributor cap ?? you know the module that lays flat with 2 screws holding it and takes some white termal gel under it to keep it from heating up. when those get hot it will crank and crank but no Worky. Not until it cools down will it start. Oh well its a 30 dollar part and worth a try , if not then you have an extra one for when it goes bad later down the road.

let us know when you fix it, curious.

 

This is very classic diagnostic nightmare post. Original poster describes symptoms, albeit in a poor form. Let see what we have here, and if we dig a bit deeper, perhaps solution can be found for this poor fellow:

1) Engine cranks (Cranking speed appears to be OK)
2) Engine will start if starter fluid is used (does it run on its own after that? and how well?)
3) According to original post fuel pressure is 40 psi. Question - is it during cranking or while engine is running, or is it with engine off with FP in diagnostic mode?
If you have no fuel pressure during cranking engine will never start on its own. Possible cause is a bad FP relay ($6 item mounted on the firewall).

Perform the following test:
Get a helper. Have him (or her) to operate ignition key. Position yourself next to the gas tank. Have helper cycle key from off to run, but do not attempt to start engine! Listen to the tank if fuel pump operates for 2-3 seconds while ignition key is cycled from stop into run position. Report your finding here.
While helper is cycling ignition key - have him (or her) note what SES light is doing. Report your findings here. Then we'll talk constructively.

//RF

 

Amen