No fuel getting to engine

[Jackg86]

I had just replaced the ignition steering lock assembly and the car, an S, wouldn't start. Checked all electrical connections but no luck. Ignition lock works normally. Engine turns over but will not start. No codes. Removed air intake manifold and tried spraying starting fluid directly into throttle body. Started and ran briefly. Tried it once more with same results. Obviously running on just the starter fluid. Anybody got any ideas of why fuel is not getting to engine. My next step is to change the fuel filter. I'm trying not to get involved with the fuel pump yet as it's so labor intensive and expensive just to eliminate that possibility. I haven't checked the fuel pressure yet, either. I don't have the equipment and wouldn't know how to do it if I did. Would appreciate any instruction here, also. I assume the pressure would read very low or nil from the symptoms, Assuming for the moment that the fuel pump is working normally (both related fuses checked out good) and the filter is not clogged, what would prevent fuel from reaching the throttle body.

Thanks in advance for any and all wisdom and suggestions.

Jack

[wvicary]

Have you checked all the fuses? I assume you don't hear the fuel pump running but what was the reason you replaced the ignition lock?

[JFP in PA]

Two things to look at: (1) Look at your crank position sensor (mounted on bell housing). When the CPS starts to go bad, the DME does not see the engine turning over and does not turn on the fuel and ignition, so the car will not start. The car will also not thow any codes when this happens. (2) Check your fuel pressure and delivery volumes. The pressure test is quick (there is a metric shrader valve on the fuel rail that a test guage attaches to) and relatively inexpensive if you do not have the equipment to do it yourself. I the pressure is in range, check for delivery volume; the car needs both to run correctly. If either (or both) the pressure and volume are low, it could be the fuel filter on the early cars, or a bad fuel pump.

[logray]

The harbor freight A/C manifold test kit works well for the fuel fittings.

[JFP in PA]

Actron makes an real fuel pressure test setup (CP 7838) that works perfectly and has adaptors so it can fit just about anything with throttle body or port fuel injection systems. List price is less than $60, but you can easily find one for about $35-40.

Edited January 25, 2012 by JFP in PA