'89 turns over, but won't start

[unisphere]

So i'm still working on my '89 4x4.
ive fixed the rear suspension and brake lines, and just replaced the solenoid. i replaced the solenoid because i was getting a grinding/clicking sound when i tried to start the truck. now that sound has gone away, but the truck still won't start. it will usually turn over, but never catch. what should i be looking for in order to find out what's wrong?

one other thing: the battery is pretty dead, but ive tried starting the truck while cabled to a running car. this made all the lights/beeps and everything work, but still no start. would running off jumper cables like that not really provide enough power to a dead battery?


thanks

 

[Psychopete]

what should i be looking for in order to find out what's wrong?

one other thing: the battery is pretty dead, but ive tried starting the truck while cabled to a running car. this made all the lights/beeps and everything work, but still no start. would running off jumper cables like that not really provide enough power to a dead battery?

Start with a good battery. Put the battery on a low amp. charge for a long time and see if it will still hold a decent charge, if not, you'll have to get a new one.

Start with the basics, is it getting fuel or spark? A quick check is to spray some starting fluid into the upper intake and turn it over. If it starts and burns up the fluid, then it's not getting fuel. If it doesn't, no spark and/or fuel.

Pete

 

[unisphere]

ok, so i'm back at it again. i had to re-replace the starter solenoid (first one cracked) and put in a good battery. still no start. i have yet to try starting fluid - where exactly do i spray it? (i'm a total novice..)

Secondarily, how do i check for spark? Do I check at the ignition coil, which I think is located on the drivers side front fender area? And what is the process for checking the spark?

Also, is it possible this is a starter problem? or would i not even get the engine to crank if it was the starter?

thanks

edit: i've got an '89 4x4 v6 2.9

 

[87STXDRIVER]

if its turning over it shouldnt be the starter, check your timing and hook up a timing light to cyl 1 and check for spark, you might have to re time the engine.

 

[unisphere]

ok, so it looks like a fuel issue. i used some starter fluid and the truck started for a second, so it must be getting spark.
i think it might be the fuel pump relay. the relay fuse is still intact, but when i used a voltimeter at the fuse's pins, i got no reading. all the other fuses (this is in the engine fuse box, not the cab box) gave appropriate voltage readings. is it correct to assume that the relay fuse should also show voltage? and then is it right to assume that the relay is fried if the fuse is not getting any current? if the relay is dead, should the fuse still be intact?

fyi, i've already checked the fuel shut-off switch and it's fine.

thanks

 

[IMenriched]

ok, so it looks like a fuel issue. i used some starter fluid and the truck started for a second, so it must be getting spark.
i think it might be the fuel pump relay. the relay fuse is still intact, but when i used a voltimeter at the fuse's pins, i got no reading. all the other fuses (this is in the engine fuse box, not the cab box) gave appropriate voltage readings. is it correct to assume that the relay fuse should also show voltage? and then is it right to assume that the relay is fried if the fuse is not getting any current? if the relay is dead, should the fuse still be intact?

fyi, i've already checked the fuel shut-off switch and it's fine.

thanks

Sounds like you're on the right track. the relays are not terrible expensive.

there is, in all likelyhood, a inline fuse from the battery to the starter soleniod...or after the soleniod... it maybe ok if your getting power to the other relays....can't remember if that only feeds the fuel relay or all the relays.. anyhow...something else to check...if the relay cures it...no worries

 

[unisphere]

thanks for the responses.
turns out that at some point "someone" put the EEC relay fuse back in the wrong slot...
so no fuel pump relay or anything was actually needed. truck starts fine now, now i just have to have someone fix my rear axle seal leak...

 

[IMenriched]

AHHH simple fixes....pain in butt sometimes to cure....but the price is great