My daughter was driving the 240 ('86 N/A auto with LH 2.2)and said it began hesitating on acceleration and within a 1/4 of a mile died completely. She thought she was out of gas as she was running on empty but having added 4 gallons I cannot get the engine to fire up. I towed home and confirmed the fuel pumps come on. Fuel is being pumped by virtue of running the pumps and pulling the return fuel line at the pressure regulator. I seem to have a spark from cranking with the coil to the distributor pulled and seeing spark to a ground. Initially it seemed to try to start which led me to think fuel problem but now it turns over without a hint of trying to fire. I've even tried starting in neutral vs. park. What should my next steps be?

Dirk
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Dirk Story

You didn't mention checking the 25 amp blade fuse under the hood. Common problem, fuel injectors wor't work.

Sounds like the RPM sensor to me.

There isn't an RPM sensor on the LH2.2 ECU system. There is a Hall Effect Sensor on the distributor, however, which serves a similar, though not identical purpose.

Pulled and cleaned the 25 amp fuse to no avail. Funny thing is now the sound of the starter is a higher pitched whine as it spins as if w/o any resistance.
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Dirk Story

I agree with Dan -- could be a broken timing belt. But, if so, then no spark. And if no spark, then no fuel.

Another possible reason for fast cranking is low compression, which can result from excess fuel washing down the cylinder walls. No oil means no seal, which means blow-by -- no compression pressure.

And a possible cause for that could be a failed fuel pressure regulator, which would allow excess fuel into the cylinders.

Is the oil overfull? Does it small like gasoline? Are the plugs fuel soaked?

Pull the fuel pump fuses and crank again; see if it tries to start (on the residual fuel). If you think this is the problem, then replace the fpr.

Pull the plugs and squirt 6-12 squirts of oil into the cylinders to restore the seal and compression.

When it starts, expect clouds of (harmless) oil smoke for five minutes.

Be sure to change the gasoline diluted oil.

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Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

In that case check the timing belt, take the oil fill cap off and see if the cam rotates when cranking.
Dan

Try unplugging the mass air sensor and see if it starts,if it starts the amm is bad.This is a very common problem.


Dan

I agree with Dan, but pull the connector off with the key off.
Dan

I pulled the plug on the AMM with no change.
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Dirk Story

Check the 25 amp fuse by the battery for corrosion at the spade connectors and the battery connection.


Dan