Intermittent starting problem

[Gitz]

I have a 93 Taurus with 355,000 km. I have started to experience starting problems with it. Sometimes it will not start. If I continue to try starting it for about 10 - 15 minutes it may eventually start. Other times I leave it overnight and in the morning it goes. Weather is not a consideration. It is not gas related as I have a new pump and pressure at the manifold.

[mtmaurer8ooo]

We need some more info here. Is the starter working, but the engine won't start? Is it the starter that is sometimes the problem? Try and tell us exactly what you've got and we'll give it a shot. M.

[Gitz]

The starter works fine. It seems that there is no spark. Once I do get it started the engine runs fine. It is a 3-litre engine an I have never changed anything except spark plugs and oil.

[TaurusKing]

So you have over 220k on this car?? You definitely need new cap and rotor, and probably could use some wires. My cars get a buildup on the contacts within the cap that needs to be cleaned off periodically..Is it attempting to fire at all while you're cranking it???.. maybe put new cap, rotor on it first, don't forget the dielectric grease, see if anything changes,, not too expensive, easy to do,,, could be a coil going bad, try the other first stuff first.

[Gitz]

Thanks TaurusKing. I changed the distributor cap, rotor and plugs. Boy was the distributor cap in sad shape. The old one had MotoCraft stampted on it. Is that OEM Ford? Whats with the dielectric grease and where does one apply it. The car started and runs good. I hope this solves my intermitent starting problem. If not I'll check the coil.

[TaurusKing]

Ford recommends the grease on the plugs,(not electrode end),tip of the rotor, and both plug wire ends, probably to help prevent corrosion, moisture problems and overall general electrical leakage I would think.. You can buy a small tube at the auto parts store, you don't use much on any one fitting, just a light coating. Motorcraft is Ford parts...