Hi everyone. I posted a while ago about my '89 f150 5.0L 4x4 automatic that had no compression in the #8 cylinder. Well I found the problem. I had a hole in the exhaust valve. I put a new intake and exhaust valve in the #8 just for good measure and put it all back together and I can't get it to fire. Checked my wiring and it's hooked up correctly (although I don't think a few missing vaccuum lines would prevent it from starting). When I try to start it I get a gurgling and popping noise out the exhaust. I smell fuel in the engine and I hear the fuel pump starting when I turn the key. However, when I pressed the schrader valve after trying to start it there wasn't any reaction (no fuel or any pressure being relieved). I don't know if that is normal or not. I assume I'm getting spark because it is cranking. My firing order is correct. New plugs and wires. Timing was set to zero. One thing is that when I was pulling the heads I couldn't get the fuel lines disconnected. I tried the plastic and metal tools to disconnect the clips and the darn thing just wouldn't come off. So I disconnected to the fuel rail and pulled the injectors still attached to the lines. I made sure not to kink the lines. I pulled the #1 spark plug and it had some fuel on it although not soaked. This gives me the impression the fuel lines are not blocked plus i can smell the fuel after trying to start it. I'm running out of options before I have it towed to a mechanic but I really don't want to do that.

 

I brought my 89 in for some work before winter plowing and replaced a few parts in the front. Distributor TFE , rad mount, water pump etc. When I went to start up it would turn over but not catch. Spark was fine and distrirbutor was wired correct.

Ran the diagnostices with the voltmeter from the Hilton repair guide and it showed the fuel relay being gone. The green/grey one that plugs in to the wiring on the top of the drivers side fender.

Picked up another at a junk yard for free and changed it . Worked like a top then. Must have done something while doing the other work.

Even new they are only 20 bucks.

Might be it.

 

First thing you need to do is verify spark. Just assuming won't get you far.

Take one of the plugs out, ground it (with leather gloves or some good insulator unless you need a morning wake up jolt) and have a buddy turn it over. If you have spark, then reset the timing again for good measure. I set the timing the same way on my 89 mustang 5.0 and missed and spun a bearing.