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Topic: 87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work (Read 2531 times) previous topic - next topic

87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Ok, I will try to explain this my best .

 I got this car for my nephew via trade for his blown up neon.  when the guy brought this car over on a trailor it would only run at idle. If you tried to give it gas it would die. I poked around under the hood checking for vacuum leaks and anything else that looked out of place. I had him start the car up and  let it run for a bit then it just stopped running and no fuel is coming out of the injectors. You can't hear them ticking or anything. I have checked everything in the trunk and the fuel pump works fine and the filter still has good flow. I checked the pressure and it is good also . I can spray starter fluid in the tb and it will fire right up . All wires to the injectors are getting a 12v signal. Before I go buying a bunch of parts I figured there would be plenty of you fine gentlemen that could give me your input. Thanks alot for reading and helping out.

87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Reply #1
Just to make sure the ECU is firing the injector I would see about using a Noid Light. That is a little light type thing you hook up to the injector Harness to make sure it really is sending the signal to fire like it should be. That should help you sort out if it is the injectors or the signal to them.  I know some parts stores rent/loan the noid lights.

Hope this helps
Stuckman
84 Turbo coupe 2.3T Modded with 88 upper and lower intake, 88 injectors, E6 manifold, T3-4 AR.60 turbo, 31X12X3 FMIC, Homemade MBC , Greddy knock off BPV.
4 eyes see better than 2! 
Da Bird!

FreeBird

87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Reply #2
I forgot to add that I did use a noid light . There is no signal change to the injectors.

87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Reply #3
If it has a TPS voltage problem(too high), the computer will go to de-choke mode and not fire the injectors...

Has it been checked for fault codes???

87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Reply #4
Don't have a code scanner here. And it doesn't run to go get it checked. So you think it may be the throttle position sensor? Would that throw a code

87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Reply #5
Shouldn't need a code scanner just a paper clip or a jumper wire. Can't think if witch pin on the big plug but jumper the single wire plug to the right spot on the big plug and it will flash the C.E. light and feed you the codes. I'm sure someone has the right pin and what code means what posted, do a quick search.

Stuckman
84 Turbo coupe 2.3T Modded with 88 upper and lower intake, 88 injectors, E6 manifold, T3-4 AR.60 turbo, 31X12X3 FMIC, Homemade MBC , Greddy knock off BPV.
4 eyes see better than 2! 
Da Bird!

FreeBird

87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Reply #6
I did a search and tried it and it wouldn't work for me? On another note. I pulled the tps off and did a test with an ohm meter and it would stay zero most of the time and other times it would jump between 3-16 or 17 . So my guess is that it is no good. So if it is bad then is that what sends the signal to the ecu to make the injectors operate properly? Thanks

87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Reply #7
You need to test the Voltage from the TPS while it is hooked up to the car and on the throttle body. You should see almost 1volt but not 1volt or over while not on the throttle. Then you should slowly move the throttle open all the way looking for a drop out of the voltage. At full open throttle you should see almost 5volts. Sounds to me like you did a resistance test on your TPS.

Hope this helps
Stuckman
84 Turbo coupe 2.3T Modded with 88 upper and lower intake, 88 injectors, E6 manifold, T3-4 AR.60 turbo, 31X12X3 FMIC, Homemade MBC , Greddy knock off BPV.
4 eyes see better than 2! 
Da Bird!

FreeBird

87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Reply #8
yes i did a resistance test. i'll give the other way a try

87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Reply #9
are the cats original on it.... my car did that years ago would idle fine, but would also die when you try to drive it.. clogged cats were the problem....
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
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5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
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87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Reply #10
I tried a voltage test. I got a 5v input from the ecu (power side) and the output voltage was 0.14 volts ...lol . So I guess that tps is junk.

87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Reply #11
If you had it off and the screw holes are slotted type you would have to set it by sliding it into position. With the volt meter hooked up adjust the TPS so at idle you have a reading of .94-.98volts. Then once you are there Bolt it down tight. Then you need to work the TPS through the whole cycle testing for voltage dropouts while slowly working it to full open throttle. Why throw money at it if that is not the problem. Test it this way and make sure it is set up and works properly or not before you buy a new one.

Hopes this helps
Stuckman
84 Turbo coupe 2.3T Modded with 88 upper and lower intake, 88 injectors, E6 manifold, T3-4 AR.60 turbo, 31X12X3 FMIC, Homemade MBC , Greddy knock off BPV.
4 eyes see better than 2! 
Da Bird!

FreeBird

87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Reply #12
I hear you on the buying unneeded parts. I did get the new tps and the car fired right up. But now it will run fine when its cold and then cut out and not run very good at all after it warms up ? I'm thinking it could be the plug wires.  This car didn't run when we got it. it only has 78k original miles and is in great condition for its age. Just really wanting to get this running for my teenage nephew. Thanks for the help

 

87 3.8 fuel injectors don't work

Reply #13
Well I checked the fp againd and it was only reading 20psi. I went ahead and picked up a new fuel pump assembly . The car runs great now. Thanks for all of your guys help on trying to get this car running.