Problems starting 86 V6

[Jaice]

I have a 1986 Mustang LX V6 3.8

At first, I couldn't get the car to start so after I replaced the spark plugs, it started. After that, it would sometimes start right up and some times it was hard to start. Tried to start the car later, and It wouldn't start, just spinned and sound like it was about to but never got there. I changed the spark plug wires and tried to start it, still wouldn't start, but this time, it was spinning much faster than before. A guy told me that too much fuel may be getting to my spark plugs. Could that be the problem? The car has a CFI on it, Fuel Injection that looks like a Carb. The Timing chain, Serpentine belt, Battary, Spark Plugs and Wires are brand new. Anyone know what the problem could be?

[Chrisv6Stang]

I had somewhat of a similar problem with my 85 v6. After trying the fuel pump reset switch I was noticing I wasnt hearing the fuel pump come on when I turned the key to the "on" position, just before you start it. Well anyways I found where the fuel pump relay was and I saw that the connection was all corroded, I cut the connection pulled a relay off of a thunderbird of same year and same engine spliced the wires back together and that fixed my problem. It is located on the passenger side near the battery, maybe that will help maybe not. Make sure ur fuel pump comes on when u turn the key.

[StangNut86]

my 86 4 cyl has a good no-start going for it. mostly because it doesn't get compression worth shit. i'd do a compression check and cylinder leakage, just for the hell of it. but definitely look at that relay.

for the curious, i've officially given up on makin the 4-banger run, i'm yanking it first chance it get =D

[Jaice]

The fuel pump is working. If the timing is off, make it hard to start or not start at all. How do I set the timing if I can't get the car started. Also, someone told me my spark plugs may be getting wet. If thats the problem, how would I fix this?

[StangNut86]

can't do much about the timing w/out running it. for the plugs, sandblasting works wonders, just make sure you clean the sand residue off before you put em back in.

['86 Stang]

Hey I have an '86 Mustang LX Conv. and I just got it about 3 weeks ago. I dont know too much about cars, but the 3.8L engine guzzles gas like water. It has 120 hp and feels like it needs more "get up and go". Would it be a good idea to put a cold air intake on the engine or would it mess up the rest of the engine, and would need an overhaul to get it to work without kinks.

[351wStang]

Originally Posted by Jaice

I have a 1986 Mustang LX V6 3.8

At first, I couldn't get the car to start so after I replaced the spark plugs, it started. After that, it would sometimes start right up and some times it was hard to start. Tried to start the car later, and It wouldn't start, just spinned and sound like it was about to but never got there. I changed the spark plug wires and tried to start it, still wouldn't start, but this time, it was spinning much faster than before. A guy told me that too much fuel may be getting to my spark plugs. Could that be the problem? The car has a CFI on it, Fuel Injection that looks like a Carb. The Timing chain, Serpentine belt, Battary, Spark Plugs and Wires are brand new. Anyone know what the problem could be?

Most definately sounds like fuel is killing you. When you pull your plugs out are the black as hell at the end where all the action is (electrode, ect)? If so then yes you are getting way to much fuel. Though this normally shouldnbt happen on a stock engine. But yes I would suggest checking the relay as well.
Helped a friend build a '71 Chevelle 350 for his '84 Firebird. Put a 750cfm Edelbrock Performer up top cause its the only thing we had laying around at the time. Broke the cam in and the motor died after we brought the carb back down to idle. His plugs where black as black gets and would not fire enough to restart. Ended up saving money and putting metering rods in the edelbrock.