WindStar Not Starting Up Unless

I had to drive for about 35 miles yesterday and as I was getting to where I was going, I came to a light. I waited and started to make my turn. My WS simply shut off as it has done maybe twice in the last few weeks. Funny thing is that the check engine light has not been coming on. I could'nt get any help from anyone so I finally pushed the darn thing very slowly to a corner of this very busy intersection. I tried to look for any loose wires,cables,busted belts, loose vacuum lines and found nothing. I then called someone to come help me.I though of an old trick on how to get your fuel injected driven car to possibly start when it is not cooperating with ya. I had them bring me a chain(For pulling), some gas and a clean dry rag. I soaked the rog with some gas and held it in front of the round piece in front of the air cleaner assembly and it started. It shut off, so I repeated the process and managed to keep it running till I drove back home. I know that I have recently (2 Months ago) have cleaned out the fuel injectors, replaced the gaskets between the plenium and upper intake as well as replaced the fuel filter in the back of the WS. I thought maybe the fuel pump could be the guilty one, but I believe if it was, it simply would not work after getting the WS started with a gas soaked rag. Any of you good folks out there have any ideas on where I could go with this problem? Thanks to all.

Model year and engine????

Completely forgot to put that in. 1998 & 3.8

fivevs
A few things to check. When you turn the key to the on position not starting it do you here the fuel pump running? When was the last time you changed the fuel filter? How did the van run after the work was done? One thing people should know. The electric fuel pumps are cooled by the fuel if you drive the vehicle on empty alot you reduce the life of the fuel pump. I have had numerous vehicles where the vehicle stopped you waited a length of time (30 minute or an hour and it started again. I put them on the scope and tested and the pump was bad. It was an intermittent problem and got worse. The answer to your question is yes it could be your fuel pump. If you dont hear the pump when turning the ignition to on check the fuses also and relay.

Hmmm - I'll also mention a potentially simple cause that might be possible: The IAC (Idle Air Controller).

If the van is running well when off idle (it appears you were able to drive home once it was started), your IAC might be stuck (this is a fairly common problem). It can be replaced; it also responds well to cleaning.

I will check to see if the fuel pump is in fact coming on. As for the IAC, i'm not familiar with that part.Where do I find it? Can it be tested or checked? I want to mention something that I remember happening. As I was takin a turn the WS shut off and I immediately tried to start it up. I then pumped the pedal a number of times and am wondering if I didn't flood it. I also noticed today as I started it right up earlier today that when I turn the steering wheel there is a loud noise coming from under the hood . I checked the power steering pump and it has plenty of fluid. We had the shock absorber looking part that ties between the front wheels about 6-8 years ago and am hoping that is not the problem that may be causing the WS to shut off. This was a very expensive thing to fix. Thanks for any advice I can get from you all.

fivevs
No pumping the gas pedal will not flood the engine. It is not like the old carberator equipped vehicles they do not have an accelerator pump. These vans as well as every other car im aware of today are fuel injected or have a throttle body type injection unit. The amount of gas is controlled by the computer or pcm. Is your check engine light on? Listen very carefully wih the radio off. When you turn the key to the on position do you hear a humming sound for about 5 to 10 seconds? The sound should be coming from the rear inside the gas tank. It is easy to hear. Let us know and report back. Also if there are any codes and what the codes are. If you dont have a scanner to check the codes you can have it done at AutoZone and some other auto parts stores.

No the CED no longer stays on. It used to for the longest when I had troules withe intake manifold and vacuun lines. I can't really check the sound outside because I just got home and the weather is pretty rough. Possible 3 inch hail and or tornatic weather.I will try to check for the sound. The drive axle was the part we replaced years ago. Now when you turn the wheel it makes some loud noises like a moaning.

Checking for codes is a good idea.
However, the windstar electronics does not monitor fuel pressure or fuel flow, so a fuel system problem will not light the CEL or set a code indicating a fuel problem.
This is what makes it harder to determine a intermittent fuel system problem.
As mentioned, the best way to tell if the fuel pump is working is to listen for the sound when you turn the ignition key to ON.....before you move it on to START.
If the fuel filter has not been changed lately, I would change it also.

I changed out the fuel filter about 3 months ago. What a job. I turned the key on and went to the back of the WS and I could hear some noise coming out of the gas tank area. I drove the WS to go get some burgers earlier today and it ran fine. Just like it was doing before leaving me stranded in the middle of an intersection. I'm planning on taking a 7-8 hundred mile trip in about a month and am concerned as to whether it's safe to do so. Like I'd mentioned earlier, it has been running fine and then at times it suddenly shut off and I'd start it and go on my merry way. I took the air filter out today and and it looked pretty dirty. Could something like that cause to shut off suddenly or when I turn the wheels with the engine I can hear a noise coming out of thepower steering pump or the drive axle. Could this cause it to shut off suddenly?

fivevs
No there is nothing that should cause it to turn off when your turning at normal speed possibly at very slow speed if the power steering pump were failing. The noise from the power steering or drive axle should give you a reason for woory if your going on a long trip. I have suggested to others if you have a problem determining where a noise is coming from, if you have a Sears Automotive near you they will do a front end inspection for free. Your bnot under obligation to get the work done there. I do though have some front end work done there because it is relatively inexpensive. I had a half shaft replaced for $225.00. For me that would be alot of work and time considering the part would be about $100.00. Just a thought. I find Sears to be pretty honest though I have had a few problems over th years. Just a thought. Keep watch when and if the van stops again and if you try and start it if you hear the fuel pump running. Post back