Awkward loss of power & now won't start

[M32H32is]

My 1992 (3fe) rig just no-started on me for the first time since the resurrection.

Back story:

I was headed to work yesterday on the highway cruising about 60-65 when it keep "shuttering" and losing power. I floored it a few times & it picked up, but as soon as the lockup occurred it would lose power.

When I got home, the intake tube developed a sizable gap at the accordion, so I pulled the entire system and wrapped it in electrical tape. Double wrapped it and then hit it with a heat gun to make sure it was sealed. I think it is.

I put everything back together and it started & ran well. Then I drove around the block & the hesitation under 2,000 rpm is still noticeable.

Truck idles great @ 600ish rpm's and pulls hard above 2,000. Seems to run smoother with the holes in the intake plugged.

Anyway, I went to start it this morning and no dice. Truck turns over but doesn't start.

 

[M32H32is]

My tape job that has to last a week:

 

[baselfish]

Emergency Troubleshooting Procedures - FAQ Item (Recommend Keeping Copy in Truck)

bF

 

[jonheld]

Is the CEL illuminated with the key in the ON position?
If no, then EFI circuit related. No spark, no fuel, will not run.
If yes, then check for spark and fuel.
Check for fuel at the CSI banjo fitting.

 

[M32H32is]

CEL is on @ start.

Checking cold start injector now

 

[jonheld]

Seems to run smoother with the holes in the intake plugged.

Any non-metered air will cause the engine to idle poorly and run rough. The intake tube must be sealed as well as the top end of the motor. Any vacuum leaks from the oil fill cap, PCV valve/grommet, etc. will cause problems.

 

[jonheld]

CEL is on @ start.

Checking cold start injector now

If you have fuel, please be careful when checking for spark. I would have done it in reverse order.

 

[M32H32is]

Getting fuel.

 

[jonheld]

When trying to start, does it catch then die when you release the key?

 

[M32H32is]

Good call on the fuel / spark test! Think I'll let the fuel and vapor evaporate. I'm rolling solo any way so it's tough to test for spark.

Any idea on how to do that by yourself?

 

[M32H32is]

It's not catching at all. It's def Not getting either fuel or spark. Cranks just fine but no attempt to start.

 

[M32H32is]

I'm betting my cool went out. Possible @ 24 years & 300k miles! It's the original

 

[jonheld]

No safe way I can think of.

 

[jonheld]

I'm betting my cool went out. Possible @ 24 years & 300k miles! It's the original

I've never lost my cool.
What did you mean to type?

 

[M32H32is]

Coil

 

[jonheld]

I've never lost my cool.
What did you mean to type?

Oh, right, coil.
More likely the igniter than the coil.

 

[M32H32is]

Where's that?

 

[jonheld]

The coil can be tested with the FSM and a meter. The igniter has no tests that I know of.
FWIW, I've gone through 3 in 25 years. Talk to Jason from cruiseryard @arcteryx. Make sure you get a coil/igniter combo from a 91/92 FJ80 as opposed to an FJ62. They are not the same.

 

[jonheld]

Where's that?

The coil/igniter are mounted together on the right fender.

 

[jonheld]

Did you check the simple things first, like the condition of the cap/rotor?
Make sure all connections are tight.