Engine shut off while driving and would not restart

2000 FORD WINDSTAR
160,000 MILES • 3.8L • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
STROTHMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Ve­hi­cle shut off while dri­ving, would not start again. It has spark, fuel pressure and compression. Show­ing mis­fire on cylin­ders 3, 4, and 5. Changed out ig­ni­tion coil and plugs. Still no start. Tested fuel pressure, spark and compression, all tested good. Crankshaft sensor showing good, EGR valve not stuck. Cranks but no start, o2 sensor soaked in fuel. Any ideas?
Feb 19, 2021 at 12:57 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

If you have spark, fuel, and compression, it should run. Something is missing. I have a feeling you lost the fuel injector pulse and fuel isn't getting into the engine.

Do me a favor. See if it starts for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it's fuel related.

Also, here is a link you may find helpful. It explains how to test a fuel injector:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Also, let me know if it is possible for you to record the engine cranking and upload it for me to hear.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
Feb 19, 2021 at 5:48 PM
Avatar
STROTHMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks Joe, it turned out to be the motor. Put a borescope in it and found a valve all chewed up and the cylinder burnt. I appreciate your advice! Nice to be able to bounce things off of people.
Feb 22, 2021 at 8:41 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi,

That isn't good news, but I'm glad to hear you got it figured it out.

Please feel free to come back anytime. You're always welcome.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
Feb 22, 2021 at 6:14 PM