Bad gas (gasoline) problem

DZEE'S LX · 12-14-2006, 12:24 AM

I'm helping a friend with an 89 5.0 EFI Cougar that I think has stale gas. I'm posting here because I have always gotten great info from you all on this site and I believe the components of the system are all but the same as the Stangs

The car had been sitting for 2-3 yrs before he bought it. It was running when it was last parked by the previuos owner.
The tank was nearly empty and he put a few gallons of fresh gas in the tank.
It will turn over fine with the starter but won't fire or even sputter. I used a timing light and it has spark. The fuel pump runs for the normal second or two and then shuts off - so I think it has fuel pressure.
I'm thinking all the lines and filter have old gas/varnish or water in them. Since the engine wont fire I don't know if the old junk will push through so the new gas can make it to the injectors.

What is the best way to flush all this out of the tank and fuel system? A new fuel filter is a given, but it would be nice to get this thing running without having to tow it to a shop.

Thanks

1989GT · 12-14-2006, 08:10 AM

You can check for fuel pressure at the shrader valve. Did you pull a plug and look at it? I'd pull a plug just to verify you have spark at the plug. Before I did all that though I'd spray some ether thru the throttle body and see if it trys to start. I think even with bad gas it should still atleast sputter or something. Does the engine sound like it has compression?

rwhite65 · 12-14-2006, 05:17 PM

Another vote for Ether, then go from there.

DZEE'S LX · 12-15-2006, 09:51 PM

OK, I'll try ether and then move to plugs after that.
If it comes to life what is the best way to clean out any possible gunk that may be in the injectors?

12-14-2006, 12:24 AM	#1
DZEE'S LX Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 117	Bad gas (gasoline) problem I'm helping a friend with an 89 5.0 EFI Cougar that I think has stale gas. I'm posting here because I have always gotten great info from you all on this site and I believe the components of the system are all but the same as the Stangs The car had been sitting for 2-3 yrs before he bought it. It was running when it was last parked by the previuos owner. The tank was nearly empty and he put a few gallons of fresh gas in the tank. It will turn over fine with the starter but won't fire or even sputter. I used a timing light and it has spark. The fuel pump runs for the normal second or two and then shuts off - so I think it has fuel pressure. I'm thinking all the lines and filter have old gas/varnish or water in them. Since the engine wont fire I don't know if the old junk will push through so the new gas can make it to the injectors. What is the best way to flush all this out of the tank and fuel system? A new fuel filter is a given, but it would be nice to get this thing running without having to tow it to a shop. Thanks __________________ Spec Service (UHP), BFG G-Force KDW's, Turbo Coupe 3.55 rear w/disks, 73mm calipers, Stg 1 Twisted Wedges, TFS Street Intake, 70mm TB, E cam, Crane 1.7's, Aeromotive FPR, BBK 1 5/8 shorties, elec fan, FMS Al Radiator, Moroso Wires, Kenne Bell Ramair, March pulleys, Race Magnums, 190 lph Walbro, FMS Al Dshaft, D/S loop, MM 4point rollbar, FMS C spngs, strut tower brace, Tokico Illuminas, Prothane bushings, MM Lwr Conrol Arms, KB welded subs, Cervini Mach 1 hood/valence/side skirts/wing/airdam.

12-14-2006, 08:10 AM	#2
1989GT Registered Member Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Cincinnati,OH Posts: 1,511	Re: Bad gas (gasoline) problem You can check for fuel pressure at the shrader valve. Did you pull a plug and look at it? I'd pull a plug just to verify you have spark at the plug. Before I did all that though I'd spray some ether thru the throttle body and see if it trys to start. I think even with bad gas it should still atleast sputter or something. Does the engine sound like it has compression? __________________ 89GT,Pro-Bullet 306, H/C/I and a bunch of other stuff. Sold 00GT, Vortech S-Trim, Steeda Boost Pipe, C&L intake, Mac off-road H-pipe, Flowmasters, B&M Ripper shifter, Eibach Sportline springs, Koni Struts/shocks, MM full length subframe connectors, Cobra brakes, 3.73's. My Car Domain Page

12-14-2006, 05:17 PM	#3
rwhite65 Ride Hard Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wyoming IL Posts: 1,094	Re: Bad gas (gasoline) problem Another vote for Ether, then go from there. __________________ 65 Fastback 91 roller 306, H/C/I AOD-Bauman, PI Stallion, 4.10's and traction loc 04 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 79 Ford F-250 4x4 - Restored

12-15-2006, 09:51 PM	#4
DZEE'S LX Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 117	Re: Bad gas (gasoline) problem OK, I'll try ether and then move to plugs after that. If it comes to life what is the best way to clean out any possible gunk that may be in the injectors? __________________ Spec Service (UHP), BFG G-Force KDW's, Turbo Coupe 3.55 rear w/disks, 73mm calipers, Stg 1 Twisted Wedges, TFS Street Intake, 70mm TB, E cam, Crane 1.7's, Aeromotive FPR, BBK 1 5/8 shorties, elec fan, FMS Al Radiator, Moroso Wires, Kenne Bell Ramair, March pulleys, Race Magnums, 190 lph Walbro, FMS Al Dshaft, D/S loop, MM 4point rollbar, FMS C spngs, strut tower brace, Tokico Illuminas, Prothane bushings, MM Lwr Conrol Arms, KB welded subs, Cervini Mach 1 hood/valence/side skirts/wing/airdam.

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