96 bronco not starting (it is firing)

[Bronco TC]

96 Bronco will not start ... it does fire ... tries to start then sputters and dies... put in some fuel additive .. that takes out water... it seems like it is either flooding or may have bad fuel ... just wanted to see if anyone else had a similar issue ... has plenty of gas ... it has been running fine up until a week ago

 

[Motech]

Welcome to the Zone TC.

You're going to want to check some basics first.

If you have the ability, check for codes with an OBD2 code reader. These can be sometimes gotten on a loan or rented from a local auto repair chain.

Also, especially since it sounds like a possible fuel issue, it would be good to know your fuel pressure.

First off, with your ear to your fuel filler neck and the fuel cap off, have an assistant turn the key on. You should hear a one second fuel pump prime the pump should buzz for a second.

If you do not hear that pump, check your inertia switch. It is a little cut off switch behind the right hand kick panel that shuts power to the fuel pump in case of a collision. It might be labeled, and has a reset button on top. If you can't find it, look in your owner's manual, or Google it. If that button clicks down when you push it and your fuel pump comes back, there it is.

Pressure gauges too can be available through the same stores, and you will attach that through a Schrader valve on the driver side of your fuel injector rail.

This is going to sound very Primitive Pete, but Ford's test port is the same size and threads as a tire valve stem. Absent a proper EFI gauge, you could hold a tire gauge tightly onto it while somebody turns on the key, and though it might spew a little bit of fuel, it will show you what your pressure is. It may take a couple-three cycles of the key for the one second prime to build up full pressure, but it needs to be at least 30 psi, and typically you would see 45. Less than 15 or 20 and you will struggle mightily to start, like yours is.

These tests will bring you closer to some answers, and save you and members a lot of time posting up speculation.

Good luck!