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This message was posted yesterday in the "Stories" forum; I wasn't quite sure which one to use, but a reply suggested I should repost this here. A couple of new comments have been added.
Current problem: car won't start; ingition system and starter seem to work fine as far as we've been able to test them: engine turns over and sounds strong but will not catch at all.
Recent history (which may or may not be related to current problem): Car had been running a little rough and had trouble starting in cold weather. Spark plug to 4th cylinder was fouled, so replaced all plugs. Seemed less rough but the cold start problem continued. Replaced distributer cap & rotor also. Checked for good spark and proper firing order. Checked compression, too, just to be complete. No smoke problems bty or any more evidence of fouling on plugs. Cold start problem continued and a few days later wouldn't start at all.
What we've checked: fuses incl the 25A fuse under hood - all OK; fuel pump relay and wiring to it: all lines appear to be connected correctly and receiving voltages, coil pulse, etc., as much as I can test with an multimeter; the relay does NOT latch when the ignition is turned on; the fuel and tank pumps do NOT turn on (at least I can't hear any noises) when (a) I push latch on manually (with eraser tip) or (b) I remove relay and jumper across the same terminals that are connected when latch is hand-closed. I haven't tried resoldering relay since continuity checks all look "good." Fuel filter is old I know but not sure when was last replaced.
Misc comment: the 1990 Haynes guide we have is terrible; we've ordered a new Bentley guide for the 240 series. If this problem turns out to be in the fuel injection system, does anyone know if the Bentley guide treats that well enough on its own or would we need to buy a separate fuel injection guide, e.g. the Bosch guide pub. by Bentley??
Questions: ?? Anybody have an idea? Any electrical or mechanical components/systems/wiring that you can think of that should be checked before we meddle with the fuel systems?? Could a plugged filter cause the fuel pump not to work at all (high pressure prevent priming action) and even so why wouldn't I not hear the tank pump work?? Would a faulty fuel pressure regulator prevent the pumps from starting at all? Is there anything else re: the ECU that should be tested re: the problem??
Thanks a bunch.
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