1999 Mercury Sable Car starts then dies a second later

1999 MERCURY SABLE
98,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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GACYOTA
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I had to replace the front crank seal because it was leaking. I had to replace the harmonic balancer in the process (I accidentally dropped original and cracked exciter ring). After putting car together, it started, but will only run for a second then sputter and die. My first thought was a crank sensor, so I replaced it and have same issue. I of course have double and triple checked that all of my sensors are hooked back up and everything appears to be where it is supposed to be. I have no MIL so my $100 scanner won't tell me what's wrong.Where do I go from here to diagnose this problem?
Sep 11, 2010 at 9:26 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Check the fuel pressure if its within specs if normal-clean the idle air control valve, EGR valve and use an electronic cleaner CRC on the MAF sensor and also might just wanna test the TPS sensor too-
Sep 11, 2010 at 10:41 PM
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GACYOTA
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Car is fixed. After doing spark test, relay switching, rechecking vacuum and sensor connections, I looked on the bench of remaining bolts and noticed a washer that looked like it would fit on a harmonic balancer bolt. Installed washer, started car, purring like a kitten.
I am happy to say the Sable is on the road tonight.
I guess not having that washer there was binding up the crankshaft??
Sep 12, 2010 at 9:34 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Happy motoring and good luck
Sep 12, 2010 at 10:30 PM