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Squirrels, Headaches, No Start, $ Down the Drain

Hi all. Thanks for stopping by.

1993 F150 5.8 efi
213,222 miles
It all started when some pesky squirrels decided to chew on my fuel injector plugin (wires coming out of head gasket) and a throttle position sensor wire. I fixed both wires but the only reason I “think” it was the fuel injector plugin was because I couldn’t find a confirmed diagram. Prior to the squirrels having a buffet of wires, I noticed the truck had somewhat of a difficult time going up hills and would only climb if I didn’t mash down on the accelerator. Otherwise, no issues as in it ran decently on flat ground.
Steps Taken:
1 - Once I had time to mend the wires, I put everything back together (with new gaskets) and all I could get is cranking with not start. Double checked all my vacuum lines, connectors, etc…..no improvement.
2 - Ran diagnostic codes: 121, 112, 512
3 - Searched around google and decided to change out the following: starter solenoid, throttle position sensor, idle air control valve.
4 – Decided to try with spraying starter fluid. Cranked (AND FINALLY) turned over. BUT it was revving really high with no “calming”.
5 – Decided to start from scratch. Retraced all previous steps and put everything back together. Nothing.
6 – Noticed my negative battery cable/terminal was loose and frail, replaced. Nothing.

What ya got? Starter motor? Ignition switch?

You certainly don't need a starter motor if the engine turns over when you try to start it.

This leaves fuel or spark. The fact that you got it started with starter fluid leads me to think "fuel". And, from your original description of the problem and the wires you had to fix, I'd say you're not getting anything out of the injectors at start, or, they are spraying fuel at the wrong time.

However, I'm not an expert on fixing this kind of problem, since I've never had it. I'm sure someone will post soon to help you out.

- Jack

You can use noid lights to see if the injectors are pulsing. I'd also test for spark just to make sure.

Amazon

Do you think this could all be caused by a loose ground? Perhaps the EFI ground? Aside from the rough performance up hills prior to squirrel incident, you would think it would start after splicing the wires as everything else stayed the same. Starting to think my splice job was bad AND the injectors are faulty.

Thanks for the reply. I think you are on to something with the injectors.

Thanks for the comment. Would I be able to noid test if the engine doesn't turn over or will I need to spray starter fluid to test the injectors? Fluid is the only way i can get the engine to turn over.

Wait a minute - "turn over" means that the starter is turning the engine. Also known as "cranking". Are you saying that nothing happens when you turn the key? It would not make sense if it does not turn over unless you hit it with starting fluid. If the starter turns the engine, you can noid and spark test it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by glc (Post 5245623)

It will crank but not turn over all day long. It will turn over only with starter fluid and that's when it revs really high with no balancing out.

Cranking and turning over are the SAME THING. It sounds to me like it's cranking/turning over just fine but it won't START AND RUN till you hit it with starting fluid? If this is the case, you can use noid lights and spark testers while it's cranking/turning over.

Now, the excessive fast idle - make sure the throttle is CLOSED. If it is, then you have a major vacuum leak or the idle air controller is stuck open.