I am new to auto maintenance and need help figuring this one out. I have replaced the fuel pump and EFI relay fuse. When I pulled the gas return line it leaked a ton of gas so I’m convinced it’s now priming and feeding fuel to the engine yet it still doesn’t turn over. I have NOT checked the spark plugs. Any ideas what is wrong with my cruiser.
1991 fj80 stopped running about a minute into my drive to school.
- Thread starter Chapman00
- Start date
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Where in AZ are you located? If you are in the Tempe/Mesa area I would talk to @Cruiserhiggs or @richardlillard1 both do great work and can get you back on the road.
You state it doesn't turn over.
Does this mean it does not crank when you turn the key?
Or do you mean it rotates, but doesn't fire and start.
Turn over = cranking and rotating
Firing = trying to start and or will run. Has spark, fuel, air.
- Thread starter
- #5
The started is functioning but it doesn’t fire
Get a good spare spark plug, pull a spark plug wire at the valve cover. Put the spark plug in the boot of the wire firmly. Place the threads of the plug against a solid body ground and have someone turn the engine over. You should see spark. If not then start your diagnostic at the distributor cap.
Make a mark on the cap and body of the distributor so you know how they were oriented. Remove the cap, try to turn the rotor by hand. If it doesn't spin that's good. Now have someone turn the engine over and make sure it spins. If it does, put the cap back on.
Pull the center wire from the cap, pull the rubber boot back slightly. If it is a clip type end under the boot plug a spark plug in and repeat the above spark test.
If it sparks get a new cap and rotor. If it doesn't Google the procedure for trouble shooting the ignition coil and circuit.
WARNING
****I do not recommend the below, if you do it, it is at your own risk.****
If it is not a clip type and you're okay with an uncomfortable mild electrocution you and just use the metal end of the could wire close to a good body ground...if you can insulate yourself for the vehicle you probably won't get buzzed. I've had to do it a number of times. Not fun but it works.
Make a mark on the cap and body of the distributor so you know how they were oriented. Remove the cap, try to turn the rotor by hand. If it doesn't spin that's good. Now have someone turn the engine over and make sure it spins. If it does, put the cap back on.
Pull the center wire from the cap, pull the rubber boot back slightly. If it is a clip type end under the boot plug a spark plug in and repeat the above spark test.
If it sparks get a new cap and rotor. If it doesn't Google the procedure for trouble shooting the ignition coil and circuit.
WARNING
****I do not recommend the below, if you do it, it is at your own risk.****
If it is not a clip type and you're okay with an uncomfortable mild electrocution you and just use the metal end of the could wire close to a good body ground...if you can insulate yourself for the vehicle you probably won't get buzzed. I've had to do it a number of times. Not fun but it works.
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Is the CHECK ENGINE light illuminated with the key in the ON position before cranking the starter?
listen to @jonheld , he's the 3fe expert round these parts. definitely check out the link to his site he posted