My Baby Will Not Start

[Icababe]

For the basics. I have a 1993 Ford Festivs GL 5-Speed.

About a week ago one of my coolant hoses blew. Luckily I was in my driveway when she decided to die.

Recently, I've replaced the fuel pump and fuel pump regulator. She's getting gas. I also replaced the hose and put coolant back in. My oil does not seem to be contaminated, and I still have compression. The timing belt appears undamaged as well.

I pulled out one of my plugs to see if it was getting spark. Here's the problem. Electricity is going through the coil, and even down the plug wires (I know from first hand experience). Unfortunately, I'm not seeing any spark at the end of the plug. She just will not start. I bought her new back when - the only car I've ever bought from a dealer. I'm about ready to cry. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Barry

[scitzz]

For the basics. I have a 1993 Ford Festivs GL 5-Speed.

About a week ago one of my coolant hoses blew. Luckily I was in my driveway when she decided to die.

Recently, I've replaced the fuel pump and fuel pump regulator. She's getting gas. I also replaced the hose and put coolant back in. My oil does not seem to be contaminated, and I still have compression. The timing belt appears undamaged as well.

I pulled out one of my plugs to see if it was getting spark. Here's the problem. Electricity is going through the coil, and even down the plug wires (I know from first hand experience). Unfortunately, I'm not seeing any spark at the end of the plug. She just will not start. I bought her new back when - the only car I've ever bought from a dealer. I'm about ready to cry. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Barry

Woot! Mine is the only car I ever bought new or from a vendor as well!

The 89 I bought for my wife had a coil putting out spark, but not enough of it. One of the mods on this particular forum figured that out when he came to my house.

Whaddya think, Festyboy? Possibly a similar issue?

[htchbck]

About a week ago one of my coolant hoses blew. Luckily I was in my driveway when she decided to die.

This is part which I'm not sure I'm reading correctly. Did the hose die in your driveway and you just shut the car off, or did the hose blow out somewhere along the road and you made it back to your house before the car actually died? Also, you stated you have compression, do you know how much compression on each cylinder? I'm assuming you are putting the threads of the plug against the block and having someone crank over the engine to look for spark on the plug.

[jesteratc]

One more simple thing. Check your Fusible wires. My car randomly died one day and i checked them and they crumbled in my hand. Might be a good time to replace them if you never have from new.

[Icababe]

This is part which I'm not sure I'm reading correctly. Did the hose die in your driveway and you just shut the car off, or did the hose blow out somewhere along the road and you made it back to your house before the car actually died? Also, you stated you have compression, do you know how much compression on each cylinder? I'm assuming you are putting the threads of the plug against the block and having someone crank over the engine to look for spark on the plug.

Sorry... Hose blew/gave up the ghost (was very soft) on the way home (smaller "bypass" hose I think it's called). Car started sputtering about a mile from home, made it to my driveway, and then died. I didn't get smoke, just steam pouring out of the little hose when the car died.

Not sure how much compression on each cylinder. I don't think it's the head or the head gasket. I only say that because I should be getting some spark/trying to start even if both need to be replaced.

Electricity will arc to me when I touch my plug wires and/or coil wire, but the actual plug is not. I'm about to go out and quadruple check everything I know.

[htchbck]

^^ Just to clarify that last sentence, when you are looking for spark at the plug you do have the threads of the plug touching a good solid ground right? If it is not, then it will not spark. Also, if the car was to the point where it was sputtering and then died, I would do an actual compression test on it and get some real before assuming there is no problem with the head gasket.

[Icababe]

^^ Just to clarify that last sentence, when you are looking for spark at the plug you do have the threads of the plug touching a good solid ground right? If it is not, then it will not spark. Also, if the car was to the point where it was sputtering and then died, I would do an actual compression test on it and get some real before assuming there is no problem with the head gasket.

Scratch the spark problem. Head gasket is what I'm down to I believe. Got gas, got spark, engine is turning over fine - just not starting.

[htchbck]

The results from a compression test should be helpful whether it is timing or a head gasket. Its also possible that the pistons soft seized and damaged the rings and/or ring lands. That is what I found on Green Car when I tore it down for a rebuild after buying it with what was supposed to be a blown head gasket. But if you have spark and fuel, then it pretty much has to be compression or timing. Compression testers are usually available from the chain auto parts stores rental tool programs, where you pay for a tool, use it, then return it for a full refund of your money. If you can get us some numbers we can probably help a good bit more on the diagnosis.

[scitzz]

How about pulling off the distributor, and making sure it isn't full of water, just for S&G's? If not, then yeah, htchbck is right, numbers can help judge.

Also, are you getting shocked by the wires themselves while the engine is turning over? IF so, that is an issue as well.

[Icababe]

How about pulling off the distributor, and making sure it isn't full of water, just for S&G's? If not, then yeah, htchbck is right, numbers can help judge.

Also, are you getting shocked by the wires themselves while the engine is turning over? IF so, that is an issue as well.

Put on a new cap and rotor - needed to do that anyway. I do get a slight bump from the outside of the wires when it's cranking. I'm having a compression test done now. I work at Advance Auto Parts now so I get to meet all the local shop owners.

Will a 91 engine swap out without too much hassle? Someone local has one that needs a gas tank and fuel pump (if he still has it now). I need to go look at it to make sure that's all it needs.

[scitzz]

Piece of cake

New wires are cheap as dirt, and I have had a no start situation with my DD because I let the plug wires get too old. With your discount, it is cheaper. Still, if you are "leaking" spark you need a new set anyway. Try it out. After your compression test, of course.

[Icababe]

My Car.jpg

This is my baby BTW.

[purg3d]

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?38550-where-do-I-start-efi-wont-run

might be something worth looking into. did you get the compression test done? spray everything down with wd-40?

[Chobobulous]

I love those decals on your car!

[scitzz]

Looks good!