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[gary scott]

Good morning everyone.

I've been driving the Capri to and from work this week. this morning it lost power and engine died. I started coasting to a stop and put it in 2nd, popped the clutch, it started and ran well for about 7 or 8 miles then died again.
try to start it and it won't crank. I'm thinking Fuel line type problem?
I'll tow it home after work and check. any more ideas if not fuel?
thanks for input
everyone have a great weekend  

[Rocketman]

When you say it wont crank are you meaning the engine refuses to turn over? Or it just won't start?

If it does crank but won't start, does the tachometer bounce when the engine is turning over? If not, it points at a failed ignition module or bad ground near the thermostat.

If the tach does bounce, I would check all the intake piping for cracks or leaks and make sure it's all connected. The fuel pump switch is in the VAF, and the system must be air-tight for it to keep the VAF open and the fuel pump running.

Check these and get back to us - good luck!

[gary scott]

it tries to start (i guess that means it turns over) but don't start. I didn't notice if tach moved or not. I'll check after i get off work around 2:00 - 3:00

thanks Rocketman

I had the window propped up with a brick, and when I closed the door -- c r a s h ! now i need a driver window too har har. I can deal with that if I get it to start again. I was needing to get regulator and all parts in the door, anyway.

[gary scott]

update -- somewhat

Tach didn't bounce, looked at wires where grounded at water outlet. I only saw 2 wires. how many should be grounded there? I didn't check their condition yet, also saw hickory nut  
looks like I have a squirrel setting up house under the hood. raining this weekend and other things to do. I'm gonna check wires better after work monday. perhaps I need to find another place to park away from the squirrels tree har har

[gary scott]

Another update ...
Getting gas to fuel rail. Also I Can hear injectors click if I apply pressure to gas pedal.
Jiggled wires around distributor, turned on switch, clicking relay sound near  fuses, when I tried to start it, it started, ran real rough for about 90 seconds, then died and wouldn't start again. Tried wiggling wires a few more times.
Two different times the fan came on at the radiator.
Don't know if getting fire thru plug wires. Difficult to check, I can't find a screwdriver small enough AND long enough.

Wires look ify inside boot. Plugs ?? How do you get the plugs out of that deep hole?

Try some more tuesday ... Will check dist cap.
I think im getting close.

[gary scott]

Another update ...
Getting gas to fuel rail. Also I Can hear injectors click if I apply pressure to gas pedal.
Jiggled wires around distributor, turned on switch, clicking relay sound near  fuses, when I tried to start it, it started, ran real rough for about 90 seconds, then died and wouldn't start again. Tried wiggling wires a few more times.
Two different times the fan came on at the radiator.
Don't know if getting fire thru plug wires. Difficult to check, I can't find a screwdriver small enough AND long enough.

Wires look ify inside boot. Plugs ?? How do you get the plugs out of that deep hole?

Try some more tuesday ... Will check dist cap.
I think im getting close.

[gary scott]

next update ...  too busy these days. checked distributor cap. appears to be scraped plastic (from rotor) in the cap, and build-up on 3 contacts in the cap. #3 wire has worn/rubbed place on it through insulation. this weekend I'll replace wires, cap & rotor and plugs.

I spotted a white 91 N/A Automatic in town for $5000. I think I may talk to the guy after I get mine started and running and offer $2000.

[gary scott]

well, below freezing temperatures this weekend have prevented me from doing any work on the Capri.  

looking forward to warmer day Monday or no chance again until Thursday.

Darn that Mother Nature.
She sure has been cruel to me lately. can't wait till spring and summer.

[gary scott]

changed distributor cap, rotor and plug wires.
still no fire. next up - check coil.
that should tell me if it is coil or distributor ignition module.
still checking other wires for bad ground as i get time.

looking through manual re: eec tests using VOM. will try that sooner or later.

[Rocketman]

Hmm.

Were you ever able to check for spark at the plugs? You can pull a plug out, put the boot on, and rest it on the valvecover.

Pushing the gas pedal will not fire the injectors.

Really sounds like you have an intermittent ground. try removing the 10mm bolt holding those grounds down, wirebrush everything, and put back together. Check for loose/cracked wires, too, repair as necessary.

$5000 for an N/A?? Nuts!!

[gary scott]

Hi Rocketman,

I haven't had the chance to check fire at plugs, when I got the parts the other day I forgot plugs.
I have things to do tommorrow and its gonna rain thursday, so maybe friday or saturday. I tend to my mom so I can't work on the capri if she is having a rough day unless my sister is here to sit with her.
 are you talking about the wires at the water outlet? I will try that too.
 I was just assuming the clicking is injectors, It comes from there somewhere.

I think the guy just didn't want to sell it to ME. he had been driving it for the weekend. probably just having too much fun har har.
It looked pretty good maybe $2600. I didn't get the mileage.

[gary scott]

Cleaned the ground connections near w/o and verified good ground there and other places. Put hardtop back on. Rain, sleet, and snow, but still a low of 30 degrees. I will check more wires and connections this week.
And try to remember to get new plugs.
Post again with update next week after I get time.

[gary scott]

what a beautiful day today. sunny, 75 degrees, cool breeze. = troubleshoot Capri  

unbolted, unpluged, and cleaned EVERY connection I could find. when I was finished, turned the key and ... the Capri is on the road again.

now time to install new plugs. should I gap at manual spec. ?  It is a 1993 N/A. I may get a new coil just because it is 20 years old. I'll at least have it checked at the local parts store.

driving to work and then some tommorrow.
thanks Rocketman for the suggestion, I'm pretty sure it was a ground problem.

Temps in mid 60s for 5 of the next 7 days. Now its time to remove the hardtop again.

I need to replace the driver side window, what parts would I need for this task?

[Rocketman]

Glad you got her running again  

[gary scott]

Shoot! did it again. same thing. maybe broken wire which i got to make contact when I was messing with them, or coil went out again.
at least the weather is pretty good to look into it again.