Not starting after storage. What do I check?

FW_Linc/Merc

FW_Linc/Merc

Junior Member
OK. I hate to admit that I need help but this time I do. The Marauder has been in storage with the battery charger on it for 4 months. I tried to start it yesterday and it cranks with no problem but will not fire.

I disconnected the battery overnight, reconnected it and no change.

What do I check?
 
By your list of cars you may have already done this, but if not.
If you did not put Stabil in the tank check to see if the gas smells like varnish.
Make sure it is getting gas and you have a spark.
 
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I filled it to the top 4 months ago and pulled it into the garage running. I started the car 2 months ago. I use 93 octane usually from Marathon.
 
FW_Linc/Merc said:
What is the best way to check for spark in this vehicle?
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Hmmm, Not really sure of the best way, this is my first cop vehicle.

FW_Linc/Merc said:
I filled it to the top 4 months ago and pulled it into the garage running. I started the car 2 months ago. I use 93 octane usually from Marathon.
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Since it started two months ago, i'm willing to bet spark is good. I would lean toward checking the gas. There was one instance of bad gas at a Marathon a few years back. That's usually a main issue after storing a car.

Other than that, like Paul said try another key. I've heard of keys loosing code if stored next to the worng items over time.
 
if it was bad gas it would still run. It would missfire, buck and run horribly but it should still catch when you turn it over. look for any nests around wire harnesses.
 
Two months ago it was running so fuel wouldnt be the problem, do you have any other keys (Spare or Valet); you would hear the fuel pump turn on when the ignition. The fuel cut off wouldn't be activated if the car wasnt hit.
 
cpe6 said:
Two months ago it was running so fuel wouldnt be the problem, do you have any other keys (Spare or Valet); you would hear the fuel pump turn on when the ignition. The fuel cut off wouldn't be activated if the car wasnt hit.
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So you are saying because the fuel pump worked 2 months ago means that it will 100% work today?
OP have someone turn the key on while you get your ear near the gas tank. If you don't hear anything, check the FP fuse. If the fuse is good the pump went bad (verify voltage at the inertia switch though)
I think I read somewhere that if you dump.2 bottles of HEAT in the tank it can revive a bad pump...at least to make it to a garage or lift for replacement.
 
why would heat work? If you bang on the tank with a rubber hammer whilen someone is cranking (works with starter going out too) then it might fire long enough to pull inside onto a hoist, ask me how I know.


Does it even try to hit when cranking? Is battery voltage good? give us some more info

Smell mice poo at all anywhere in car or under hood?
 
Did you check to see if the flux capacitor is fluxing? You may be low on plutonium. :)

Shoot some ether into the intake as someone already stated, easy check.
 
Michael said:
Shoot some ether into the intake as someone already stated, easy check.
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X3 on that one, if it tries to start you have a fuel system problem...

As far as bad gas, my Lightning pickup has had the same gas for three and four months at a time, never a issue...
 
Got_1 said:
if it was bad gas it would still run. It would missfire, buck and run horribly but it should still catch when you turn it over. look for any nests around wire harnesses.
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Obviously you have never got a tank of bad gas, and had to have your car towed home, and flush your gas tank, and lines!

bad gas is just that! gas that is totaly useless
 
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