1993 Topaz/Tempo

[aaron_ariens]

Okay. So yesterday, my friend got a new car. It's a 1993 Topaz with 133,000 and a four cyl. Apparently it was sitting for about 6 months, and they suggested that we put in some HEET for the gas, after we filled it. We did.

We were driving around in it all day yesterday, from town to town, etc..

When we got home that night, we parked it, and then about 5 minutes later, it would not start. Then, it would start, but it was rough and coughing, and nothing happened when the gas was pushed. Also, when shifted into gear, it would just die.

So, what could be the problem? I was thinking maybe junck from the gas tank is in the filter?

Idk. HELP?

 

[aaron_ariens]

Okay. So yesterday, my friend got a new car. It's a 1993 Topaz with 133,000 and a four cyl. Apparently it was sitting for about 6 months, and they suggested that we put in some HEET for the gas, after we filled it. We did.

We were driving around in it all day yesterday, from town to town, etc..

When we got home that night, we parked it, and then about 5 minutes later, it would not start. Then, it would start, but it was rough and coughing, and nothing happened when the gas was pushed. Also, when shifted into gear, it would just die.

So, what could be the problem? I was thinking maybe junck from the gas tank is in the filter?

Idk. HELP?

 

[Bent Bolt]

What is HEET ?

 

[scotts90ranger]

heet is mostly methanol to remove water from gas

change the fuel filter, they are dead simple on those things, it's like on the passenger inner fender in plain sight if I remember right, inertia switch is in the trunk if you want to relieve fuel pressure...

 

[Mark_88]

Well, I had an 89 Tempo and drove it for 14 years...only had this problem once...and that was because it was wet weather and the boot from the distributor was missing...yes, it should have a distributor and there MUST be a rubber boot on it...or your dizzy gets wet and it simply won't start...or run right...

Changing the fuel filter might also help...and it is as stated above, very simple...

If it still won't start after you do that...remove the air tube from the intake and spray some quick start in the TB and try starting...if it runs...and you've changed the filter it should be OK...

The inertia switch is in the trunk on the back driver's side...should be almost at the top of the trunk near the deck...just a small button...usually white...but do not do anything more than push it in and release it...they can burn out and leave you with no fuel or intermittent fuel loss...

Only major problem I had with the Tempo was the in-tank fuel pump died three or four times...PITA to change because you have to drop the tank...blah, blah, blah...

And the MAP sensor went once...but it won't cause a no-start issue usually...just funky idle...


Oh, and have someone check the brake lines because they tend to rot out to the rears about level with the rear of the front doors...there is a cross-member there that seems to be a magnet for road spray...and the lines just disintegrate...not causing the no-start issue...but it can be a future concern...

 

[Mark_88]

I posted a reply in the General Discussions forum on this one...but maybe someone can offer something else...

You might try pulling codes...that's how I got the MAP sensor issue fixed...

 

[feellnfroggy]

Gunk settled in the bottom of the tank while sitting, I would drain the tank and refill it. Also I would check the sediment screen on the intank pump. Take out hte fuel injectors and clean them. As well as the basic plugs and wires. A 93 should not have a distributor and the coils are notorious for going bad while sitting for long periods of time.