'90 Bronco starts then dies

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'90 Bronco Brent

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Good afternoon all,

Lately my Bronco has been dying on me. It would die intermittently (sometimes weeks in between) and sometimes start right back up. Other times it would take 5-10 minutes before it would restart. But it started die more frequently and became harder to restart. Finally I killed the starter on one of the restart attempts after being stranded on the side of the road for an hour. Since it died I've replaced the alternator (it had gone bad too), the starter, plugs, dist. cab, and coil. After replacing those parts it started then died. First start ran for 10 minutes then died, 2nd start ran 3 minutes then died, and 3rd start ran 15 seconds then died. Now it won't start anymore. Any ideas on where to go from here?

2nd issue... after replacing the starter I am now hearing a high pitched whining sound coming from the starter. From what I understand it's because the space between the starter drive and flywheel is too small. How can I adjust this?

Any help is greatly appreciated as I'm not the greatest auto mechanic. Ex-C130 crewchief but jets are slightly different than trucks (c:

 
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Krafty

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if the starter is too close to the flywheel then you have the wrong kind of starter on your engine, there are specific to auto vs manual trans, also running through some diagnostics would have been a good start before spending all that time and money swapping parts that didn't seem to help, but too late to change anything now,

some of the things we need to know at this point are, have you tested for fuel pressure, or spark when its refusing to start.

 
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'90 Bronco Brent

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if the starter is too close to the flywheel then you have the wrong kind of starter on your engine, there are specific to auto vs manual trans, also running through some diagnostics would have been a good start before spending all that time and money swapping parts that didn't seem to help, but too late to change anything now,

some of the things we need to know at this point are, have you tested for fuel pressure, or spark when its refusing to start.
Didn't feel bad replacing the other things cause it needed a good tune up anyway. I'm getting spark when I try to start it but not sure about fuel pressure. Will have to look up how to test that. As far as the starter, according to the parts manual it's the correct starter. Still making a high pitched whine though...

 

Rons beast

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you can get shims for the starter. To check fuel pressure, there should be a valve similar to a tire valve on the fuel rail. If you have no preasure, you need to start the diagnostics as to why. Fuel pump going forward...check for power.

It is somewhat common for the fuel pump relay to overheat and open over time.

Let us know if you need a wiring diagram.

Good Luck

 
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'90 Bronco Brent

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you can get shims for the starter. To check fuel pressure, there should be a valve similar to a tire valve on the fuel rail. If you have no preasure, you need to start the diagnostics as to why. Fuel pump going forward...check for power.

It is somewhat common for the fuel pump relay to overheat and open over time.

Let us know if you need a wiring diagram.

Good Luck
Thanks! Will look for the schroeder valve and check the pressure. Also will look into starter shims. Will let you know if this fixes it and if I need to get wiring diagrams from you.

Thank again!

 

Krafty

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get yourself a haynes manual for your bronc, its got a chapter of wiring harnesses for the various years and components, its not the best thing in the word but its a good start.

ive got a post on the how to forum for diagnosing fuel pressure problems.

http://broncozone.com/topic/22512-no-fuel-pressure-diagnostics/

miesk5 is also a huge source of information on the more technical side of things.

 
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'90 Bronco Brent

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get yourself a haynes manual for your bronc, its got a chapter of wiring harnesses for the various years and components, its not the best thing in the word but its a good start.

ive got a post on the how to forum for diagnosing fuel pressure problems.

http://broncozone.com/topic/22512-no-fuel-pressure-diagnostics/

miesk5 is also a huge source of information on the more technical side of things.
I'm picking up a Haynes today actually. Thanks for the fuel pressure diagnostics, will go through it when I get off work today! Everyone has been extremely helpful! Thanks again!

 

miesk5

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yo,

When was fuel fitler last changed?

Quick test is to Test Fuel Pressure Regulator (FPR); remover vacuum line & check for gas aroma or gas; if any, replace FPR

No Start Troubleshooting but Starter Cranks Engine Testing, General; "...Misdiagnosis is the leading cause of fuel pump returns. If the engine runs but displays driveability symptoms that you suspect are fuelrelated (hard starting, hesitation, misfiring, power loss), first attempt to eliminate other possible causes of the problem. Make sure the engine is in good mechanical condition. An engine may not start or run properly for many reasons. BE SURE TO CHECK: Fuel in the vehicle tank is adequate (add 2 to 3 gallons as needed). Fuel is fresh and of good quality. Fuel system has no leaks. Fuel filter has been replaced. Fuel delivery electrical system checks OK. Engine mechanical systems check OK. Engine electrical system checks OK. Ignition system checks OK. Charging system checks OK. Battery voltage is at least 12.4 volts. Cranking voltage at the starter is at least 9.6 volts. Inertia switch is reset (typical of Ford applications). Oil pressure and RPM signals are present (various applications). THE MOST COMMON REASONS FOR REPEAT FUEL PUMP FAILURE ARE: Misdiagnosis: Pump is OK, fault lies elsewhere! Not measuring fuel volume. Not replacing fuel filter and strainer(s). Fuel contamination. Not properly cleaning and flushing inside of fuel tank. Not correcting vehicle electrical connector, wiring and ground issues. Not resetting a tripped inertia switch. Not checking for oil pressure and RPM signals..."

Source: by Airtex

No Start Troubleshooting, but Starter Cranks Engine in 4.9, 5.0, or 5.8L; "....TIP 1: Since a lot of folks confuse a No Crank Condition with a No Start Condition... I'll clear it up right now: In a No Start Condition means your vehicle's Starter Motor is cranking the Engine but the Engine is not starting. In a No Crank Condition, the Engine is not cranking when you turn the key to crank the Engine. This article only deals with a No Start Condition..." read more

Source: by easyautodiagnostics.com

This ia long process... but a shop would charge quite a few $

Also try a Self Test for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)s by my pal, BroncoJoe19The engine temperature must be greater than 50° F for the Key On Engine Off (KOEO) Self-Test and greater than 180° F for the Key On Engine Running (KOER) Self-Test.

Run it around to heat the engine up and shift thru all gears incl Reverse. Then turn off all accessories/lights, etc.

Make sure A/C is off and transmission is in Park (automatic) or in Neutral for a Manual & release clutch.

Do Key On Engine Off (KOEO) portion first.

Look Codes up in my broncolinks.com site using the new Search function.

And Post em here according to:

KOEO

&

KOER

--

Starter; snap pics and post them here of the wear pattern on the old starter's drive pinion teeth & compare to new unit; pattern should be on the meaty center part of the gear; some rebuilt units aren't as good as a Ford Motorcraft rebuilt unit. Or as Tilton advises in following article, take it to a local rebuilder to inspect & advise.

following applies to the 92-96 PMGR (Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction) starters but is applicable;

Pinion to Ring Gear Clearance Info; "...When installing the Permanent Magnet Starter, the relationship between the pinion and ring gear is important. Due to the starter's high operating torque, damage to the pinion and ring gear will occur if the recommended clearance is out of spec. The clearance will typically be in spec if you are using the correct starter for your application. There is a much greater chance of having clearance problems if you have a modified flywheel, ring gear, bellhousing or crankshaft. Tilton Engineering Product Line: Tilton Starter Shims Part Type: Starter Shim Kits Part Number: TIL-54-958 Shim Material: Steel Starter Bolts Included: Yes Quantity: Sold as a kit. "...These Tilton starter shims are a must when installing a starter. You'll need these shims to ensure proper gap between the starter and flywheel..." thus Tilton shows this Pinion to Ring Gear Cearance Info & DiagramI hope this helps to show what can happen. I own a 1988 F-150, and it has 245,000 miles. I replaced the original starter about 4 years ago and have had good results since. I have not checked endplay, but have heard of people with up to an inch of endplay where there should be a just a small amount of play. When obtaining a replacement starter, get one from a smaller local rebuilder that specializes in alternators and starters (check yellow pages or web). These smaller shops handle rebuilds with more care and in general, they tend to use better quality parts than the mass rebuilders that supply the chain stores. They are also good to talk to in a case like this since they have seen so many failed starters..."

Source: by Tilton Engineering

Shims for Ford 2 bolt type, WAI PN 76-2306; "Shims needed due to worn ****** bearings in engine; Replaces Ford D7TZ-11N004; 2.3mm (.090 in.) T; Used w/ 2 or 3-hole D.E. housings. On engines with worn ****** bearings, the excessive crankshaft end play may cause pinion damage when the flywheel moves toward the starter. The 76-2306 helps prevent pinion damage by backing the starter away from the crankshaft flywheel..."

Source: by wai-wetherill.com via web.archive.org

 

BroncoJoe19

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Brent,

You started two threads on the same subject, and I responded in the other one. For future reference, it would be better if you didn't do that in the future. BTW... THANK YOU for your service to our country!

 
When you first turn the key to ON/Run, do you hear the fuel pump for a second or
two? You should if you listen closely. It is in your tank.
 
You might
consider checking for fuel pressure at the fuel rail. There is a shrader valve
(like a tire valve) there.
 
 
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'90 Bronco Brent

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Thanks! Turn the key and hear the pump turn on. Just bought a fuel pressure gauge yesterday and am going to test that this weekend. Fingers crossed!

 

Krafty

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note that on your 90 it will have another pump in the fuel tank that you cannot hear unless you are under the tank, but the fuel pressure test is priority #1 to see if you even have a problem with the fuel system

 

miesk5

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yo,

I agree w/BroncoJoe on the tank location & number of..

84-89 Overview & High Pressure Pump Depiction; "...Two electric pumps are used on fuel injected models; a low pressure boost pump mounted in the fuel tank and a high pressure pump mounted on the vehicle frame. The low pressure pump is used to provide pressurized fuel to the inlet of the high pressure pump and helps prevent noise and heating problems. The externally mounted high pressure pump is capable of supplying 15.9 gallons of fuel an hour. System pressure is controlled by a pressure regulator mounted on the engine. The pressure regulator reduces fuel pressure to 39-40 psi (269-276 kPa) under normal operating conditions. At idle or high manifold vacuum condition, fuel pressure is reduced to approximately 30 psi (207 kPa)..."

Source: by Chilton

90-96 Overview & Diagram; "...For the 5.0L, 5.8L and 7.5L EFI engines, the in-tank mounted high pressure fuel pump is capable of supplying 105 liters (27.7 gallons) of fuel per hour at a working pressure of 270.0 kPa (39 psi). For the 4.9L EFI engine, the pump can supply 90 liters (23.7 gallons) per hour at 380 kPa (55 psi). The pump has an internal pressure relief valve to provide overpressure protection in the event the fuel flow becomes restricted. Overpressure is restricted to 850 kPa (123 psi)... The connector pinout at the bottom of this diagram DOES NOT APPLY TO '96 trucks since they're OBD-II..."

 

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