I'm really not a car guy so please forgive me if this is the wrong area for this post and point me to the correct forum...
With that said, I've been fighting this thing for ages. The vehicle was run dry of gas and once gas was added, would not start. Logic says fuel pump. I FINALLY got the pump replaced today (though was leary as I could hear the Rurr of the pump when the key was turned, but replaced anyway) The filter has been replaced as well. My question is what else could it be? I was going to replace the relay (under the driver seat) but auto zone was closed, so, will have to wait for another day for that. I don't believe it is the relay, though could be wrong - I can hear the fuel pump engage with the relay in and nothing with it out.
Any help in this matter would be GREATLY appreciated as getting this car on the road ASAP is absolutely necessary for me now that my other vehicle has died.
welcome to the site,enjoy!!!! lets see,you hear the pump,but no start....you have good spark?you have fuel pressure at the rail?have you pulled a spark plug ?
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Cherish those around you,for at the blink of an eye,they can be gone.
Heavy metal, thanks for the quick reply. I honestly never thought of the plugs, jumped to conclusion that it was the pump as it happened immediately after running out of gas. It's too dark to fart around with it anymore tonight, but will deffinately check plugs tomorrow. As for the fuel pressure at the rail, not real savy in the field of mechanics - Is this something a novice can check, and if so, how do I check?
You are welcome!You can get a fuel pressure gauge at any parts house,just hook it to the schrader valve on the fuel rail,then check pressure with key on,it is easy.
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Cherish those around you,for at the blink of an eye,they can be gone.
Lkie HM said, hook it to the schrader valve, which is a threaded looking thing in the fuel supply line going to the fuel rail. It resembles a tire stem where you air up a tire, except you thread the gage onto it.
Hook it up and turn the key on and off a couple of times to check the pressure. Post back up whet you have and we can go from there.
Also, hook up a timing light like normal and have a friend crank the car over and pull the trigger on the timing gun. It should strobe like when timing a car, just slower. This determines whether the TFI and coil are working.
OK, new symptom...ruled out fuel (for the most part) issues and distributor (sorta...) - When I crank the car, the timing belt does not move. I can pull the shiled back and see it sitting snug on the top gear, but neither the belt nor gear move while the car is cranking. Can anyone advise how to proceed?
Get out your toolbox, cuz you got a broken timing belt! or find a mechanic. First, you have to remove the timing belt cover,, and you may, or may not have to remove the thermostat housing,,, i have an 89, and by the book it said to, but after doing so, I discovered not. The Crank pulley must come off,,,, If you don't have a puller,,,, get one, or take it to a shop. Before youcan put the new belt on, you have to make sure that the static timing is set,,, crank shaft to cam shaft have to be damn near spot on,,, the auxiliary shaft that drives the distributor has to be in the ballpark. If you don't have a Chilton's manual (not haynes) than have a shop do it.
Thank you guys so much for all your help. I've purchased a new vehicle so this one will be garaged for the time being, my weekend workshop car. Once I tear everything off, swap the belt, and get it all back on, I'll post (this will most likely be a dead thread by then But anyway) the results.
1987 Mustang 4 Cyl LX - Won't Start - PLEASE help 
But anyway) the results.
