1986 TC won't start

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1986 TC won't start

November 15, 2010, 06:10:56 AM

Ok, so I'm new to this forum but a few months ago i was driving my 86 TC (the fuel gauge doesn't work) and i knew i was low on gas but it died. So i walked to the gas station a few blocks down and got gas, but no matter what i did, it wouldn't start. The engine will turn over but not start. I have a feeling it's the fuel filter or fuel pump, but i can still hear the fuel pump so it must be working right? Any help is appreciated!

Please & Thanks!

-Ben

1986 TC won't start

Reply #1 – November 15, 2010, 09:03:57 AM

You need to check for fuel and spark. Not much we can do without any more info.

1986 TC won't start

Reply #2 – November 15, 2010, 10:04:22 AM

Fuel filter is only $10. Why not just change it to rule it out?

1986 TC won't start

Reply #3 – November 15, 2010, 10:07:43 AM

module on distributor went bad. very common for them to drop out for no reason out of the blue.

1986 TC won't start

Reply #4 – November 15, 2010, 10:54:52 PM

Check your ignition switch first, then check spark and let us know.

1986 TC won't start

Reply #5 – November 16, 2010, 11:19:27 AM

I'm going to change the fuel filter sometime this week when i don't have to help my parents, or work, or sleep (dang it! lol)
Fox Salvage-i will check on that, how much does the module on the distributor cost?
Haystack-what's the best way to check for spark?

Thanks for the tips and suggestions guys! I will look at it today or tomorrow hopefully, i would just like to get the bird runnin again!

1986 TC won't start

Reply #6 – November 16, 2010, 11:39:56 AM

Fox Salvage-Can you put up a picture of the module on the distributor? Is it the part that is plugged into on the side of the distributor?

1986 TC won't start

Reply #7 – November 16, 2010, 01:41:02 PM

Yes, the ignition module (usually called the TFI) is plugged into the distributor.

Here is a picture of it on my 86 and then a link to what it looks like off the car (Autozone link.)

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Duralast-Ignition-Control-Module/1986-Mercury-Cougar/_/N-ijagdZ9ci7x?counter=0&filterByKeyWord=ignition&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=118646_0_0_

To check for spark, pull a spark plug and wire and lay the spark plug on one of the shock towers (with the wire connected) Crank the engine and see if it sparks.

If changing the TFI, you may need the special TFI tool pictured below.

1986 TC won't start

Reply #8 – November 16, 2010, 01:57:25 PM

Ahh gotcha! Is that a special tool or just a small philips head on a socket drive? because i have a lot of tools my dad gave me so i could possible have the latter lol
I figured that was what you guys were talking about, thanks so much!

Sometimes I wish there was no need for sleep like today! And yet other times i wish i could sleep forever :)

1986 TC won't start

Reply #9 – November 16, 2010, 02:02:01 PM

Actually, the side you need is the other side. It is a really thin walled 5.5mm. A regular 5.5 won't fit.

Only $5 at Autozone.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/OEM-Ignition-module-wrench/_/N-25fu?counter=0&filterByKeyWord=ignition+module&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=2362_0_0_

1986 TC won't start

Reply #10 – November 16, 2010, 04:08:28 PM

Ok just finished checking stuff and i replaced the TFI and checked spark like Loaded87IROC said to and it still does the same thing. I took a video of what it does if i can email you? I don't have a youtube account to post it. I will try and change the fuel filter this week, possibly tomorrow.

1986 TC won't start

Reply #11 – November 16, 2010, 04:37:50 PM

So did you have spark? Have you checked fuel pressure (with a fuel pressure tester, not just pushing the schader valve?)

1986 TC won't start

Reply #12 – November 16, 2010, 05:17:20 PM

Yes i did have spark, how do i test fuel pressure? Oh, and my mom's 2003 mitsu outlander's radiator just took a on us so gotta fix that too lol fuuuun

1986 TC won't start

Reply #13 – November 16, 2010, 07:01:10 PM

You have to use a fuel pressure tester. This is the one I use:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Actron-0-100-PSI-fuel-pressure-tester-kit-with-Ford-fuel-line-adapter/_/N-25eb?counter=0&filterByKeyWord=fuel+pressure&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=84174_0_0_

1986 TC won't start

Reply #14 – November 17, 2010, 10:39:24 AM

Ok, i will have to get one then lol I will get a fuel filter tomorrow after i get my paycheck $$ :D
What should the pressure read at?
Thank you very much Loaded 87IROC, you have helped me eliminate some things, I appreciate it!