85 Tbird with spark and gas but won't start

Asked by dllobach Jul 11, 2007 at 08:25 PM about the 1985 Ford Thunderbird

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe 2.3L. I've got spark. I've got good gas pressure. Plugs are wet. Still it won't start. I'm thinking maybe the electronics modulator on the distributor or an oxygen censor (which I know nothing about.) Anyone have any ideas? Also would love to see a schematic of where the oxygen censor might be. Thanks much. DLL

3 Answers

84,385

An 02 sensor would not cause the symptoms you are describing. They merely measure oxygen levels in the exhaust. Knowing the history of the 2.3L turbo engine, I'd suspect a blown head gasket causing low compression, which won't allow the engine to start. Another option would be a timing issue.

1 people found this helpful.
84,385

P.S., the oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust manifold. Look for something screwed into the exhaust manifold with a single wire attached to it.

1 people found this helpful.
65

there are a few reasons why your car might not start is 1. timing could be off 2. head gasket 3. firing order wrong completely 4. starter 5. engine control module which is located on the front passenger kicker panel 6. fuel pump. try to eliminate these maybe it will help

Your Answer:

Thunderbird

Looking for a Used Thunderbird in your area?

CarGurus has 35 nationwide Thunderbird listings starting at $15,888.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Larry Sturgis
    Reputation
    3,020
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,080
  • #3
    MrBlueOval
    Reputation
    1,580
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,259 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
29 Great Deals out of 1,060 listings starting at $15,871
Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 14,968 listings starting at $1,712
Used Chevrolet Camaro
16 Great Deals out of 307 listings starting at $10,500
Used BMW 3 Series
71 Great Deals out of 1,176 listings starting at $1,995
Used Pontiac Firebird
15 listings
Used Ford Taurus
8 Great Deals out of 81 listings starting at $3,995
Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
12 Great Deals out of 126 listings starting at $13,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.