93 Escort won't turn over (fuel cutoff light)

[hakachukai]

I'm fixing an escort for a friend that has been running rich for several months. It's surging like crazy, and I can hear the engine sucking air.

However, I can't get it to even turn over (which is the biggest problem). The starter simply won't spin the engine. Some times it will spin it a very little bit (as if the battery were dead). But the battery is not dead at all. I put the head lights on high beam while trying to start the car, and they stay bright the entire time. Also, when I turn the key to start the car, the "fuel cutoff" comes on, but it doesn't stay on.

I was able to start the car by roll starting it, Because it's a 5 speed manual? But ofcourse it runs horrible because it's sucking air.

What the heck causes This no starting, "fuel cutoff" light problem?

This just started happening within the last few days, from what I've been told.

[hakachukai]

Any help would be greatly appreciated. My friend really needs this car within a couple of days.

[szigatti]

its not the fuel cut off.....it comes on for a second or two every time the car is started. If it doesnt go out then you have a problem and look for the cut-off switch in the truck area.

As well just because the battery has enough power to turn on the lights does not mean it has enough to turn over the car. Try boosting it and see if it works.

[mightymoose_22]

Have you verified that you even have power reaching the starter? If the wiring is bad or even just loose, you may be getting just enough to barely make it spin. Check your wiring to the starter, or just take of the starter and do a bench test. If the starter tests okay... trace the wiring back to the ignition.

I wouldn't be surprised if the starter is bad.

I have heard of bad ignitions causing similar problems... the car is old enough that may be a problem. You can disconnect the ignition and hot wire it... that takes the key switch out of the loop.

I agree as above too... either hook up a booster or jumper cables and see if it helps.

[hakachukai]

Thanks for the help guys. The fuel cutoff light was the thing that had me worried, I can figure the rest out, most likley.

I'll let you know what I find.

P.S.
How do I test a starter? by jumping 12 volts straight to it when it is installed, or do I have to remove it and check it with an ohm meter... or something like that?

[mightymoose_22]

it is kind of cramped in there, but you could do it on the vehincle with a jumper cable or something... it comes off easily enough though... I'd do that just to be safer. If you do it on the car be sure it is neutral.

Off the car, just use a jumper cable and attach to the appropriate posts. You can also take it in to a shap and they can test it.

If your starter is good, and you are confident your battery is good, trace your wiring back to your ignition... it is old and just may not be making contact.

[hakachukai]

Where the heck is the starter relay on this car?

I can't find it anywhere, and I don't have a manual. Normally I'd put it up wheel ramps and just find it, but it's on the side of the street in a situation that sucks!

It sounds like the solinoid is working fine, it clicks, and stay on the whole time I turn the key like it should. It could still need to be replaced though.

I did a voltage test on the battery. 12.61 volts with the car on, when I try to start the car is falls dowen to around 10 volts. Is that within normal range?

[mightymoose_22]

With the starter you should be more concerened with amps.
Use jumper cables or a booster just to be sure. Or swap with a known good battery.

I don't believe you will find the kind of relay you are looking for... the starter/solenoid assembly is one piece.

The 10 volt reading is within specs.

It appears the battery is trying to do its job, but the starter is not responding...

[Black2000Ranger]

THe fact that it runs crappy makes me assume that it's an electrical problem somewhere within the ignition switch, maybe a ground or something.

[hakachukai]

Actually I think the 2 problems are unrelated.

I pulled the plugs and they are covered with "crunchy" looking white stuff. The plug wires were cooked, and crispy near the spark plugs.

I orignally thought that it was running rich because it surging like crazy, but the plug read like its running lean. I know for sure that there are rotted/broken air hoses on the car, so once I get it to the point where I can start it, I'll start working on that air hose problem.

Advice is welcome and appreciated. I plan on making a new seperate post for the second issue, once I get to that point.

[hakachukai]

Thanks guys, problem solved!

I replaced the combination starter/soledoid unit.

All I had to do was put the car up on wheel ramps,
Remove the wires from the starter/solenoid
Remove the battery, and the 2 starter bolts behind it
Remove, the final starter bolt under the car

And the start falls out into your hands!

I was surprised how easy it was.

[mightymoose_22]

Told ya it was easy :P