Hi all, my 86 740 wont start. I turned it off mid cranking and it wont start. Have done this before and after a little cranking it has started, but not this time. Any suggestions gratefully accepted. da

I turn the key and inadvertantly release pressure on the key for a millisecond and then when i apply pressure to the key again, the engine gives a minute cough and turns over ok but takes a few minutes of cranking to start. That was till yesterday when i did the same thing and it just cranks over but wont start. There is plenty of life in the battery and normally the engine fires first time.The fuses are ok. Will undo a fuel line to see if its getting fuel. Will check for spark as well. Could it be a relay? can i swap relays to check? could it be a manifold hose or some such? What is the best way to determine the fuel pumps are ok? The relays also? Have i pressurised something if this possible? Thanks for your help. da

"There is plenty of life in the battery"
You put a voltmeter on it while cranking or are you just going by sound?
--
Post Back. That's whats makes this forum work.

Ive had a no start situation for a while. Sometimes the car would start and sometimes it wouldn't. When it did start the car would drive normally..it would not shut down as long as the engine was running.There is just one in tank fuel pump..regina...and the times that the car would not start there was not the usual brief whine/purring noise from the fuel pump. I did all the voltage testing and resistance checks of the fuel pump and determined it was not the pump itself but a power interruption .In my case it turned out to be a corroded (fuel pump) connector (big pink wire ) located inside the trunk next to the fuel fiiler neck.The trunk lining and protector shield under the lining must be removed to see this connector..assuming of course your setup is like mine..good luck and post back...cheers

Have you tried to jump start it?
--
Post Back. That's whats makes this forum work.

Any pre '88 cars always have a suspect engine wireing harness short if this is happening. You may have to cut off the harness shielding and check for crumbling insulation.

Need more info. But if I understand what you say, then you turn the key, the starter turns the motor and after a bit you turn back the key and it starts. If this is so, then it seems you have a weak spark which needs all the battery it can get, and only when the motor is still turning but the starter has Just become disengaged, you get lucky and it runs. Just not this time.
How long since tuneup/plugs/cap rotor/wires? Ever had the battery or alternator checked? Do you know how to check for spark at the plugs? Do you know if the fuel pumps are working?
Again, need more info.