Car Probs

[Lola.x]

Okay, so here we go.. I have a 1992 Ford Taurus. yea I know a clunker but hey.. Gotta do what I gotta do right?? Anyways. So here's the problem.. My car stalls after I've been driving it across town (approx. 12 miles). It's happened also while I was driving, the engine just died. Most of the time it's when I drive accross town turn off the car do something for about 15 minutes go back and try and start the car and it doesn't want to turn over. Almost like it's out of gas. I let it sit for like 45 min to an hour and it starts just fine. I start having this problems as soon as my tank is less than half.. If it's full or more than half I have no problems what so ever. Have checked the engine there is enough spark, so not a prob there. Help! Me and my brother are stumped.. Any suggestions?

[65comet]

Possibly the fuel pump is starting to go bad. Each time you put the key in the ignition, turn it to the on position and wait a moment before cranking it over. When it first gets to the on position, listen for the fuel pump to come on. In most Taurus's it is a whirling noise from the fuel tank that lasts a little more than a second as it pressurizes the fuel lines. If at that second attempt at starting the car you don't hear the fuel pump, then it is time to check the fuel pressure. There is a schrader valve in the fuel rail on the engine that can be used to see what the fuel pressure is. If the pressure is good, then you probably have a problem with something electronic that doesn't like to work after it gets hot from the engine heat. Those problems are the worst to find, even if you have some diagnostic equipment. Take the car to Autozone or Advance auto parts and ask them if they can check your car for any trouble codes. They will do it for free. I had one car a few years ago, pre-ODB, that I found the problem by filling a cooler with ice packs and when the car wouldn't start I'd put a pack on a different component to cool it down and try starting again. That was faster than trying to test everything if you don't get a code. But be prepared to have to test components or take the car in to somewhere with better diagnostic equipment than an OBD display.

[Johnny Mullet]

I agree with the fuel pump! That 'ol hooptie is due for one anyway.