Intermittent starting?

Question

periodically my 94 ford taurus won't start I use ether it will fire right up it doesn't do it all the time about once or twice a week sometimes while driving it will just shut down and I get out spray it with ether and it works again any suggestions don't have a whole bunch of money to put into it I have out in a fuel filter and pump

Again i have changed the fuel pump and the fuel filter and had my spark plugs checked any new ideas

Would fuel dryer (heat) that draws water out of fuel

Answer 1

could be a couple things ... First, I would replace the fuel pump realy, these relays can cause real odd problems - they're inexpensive to replace.

Secondly, I'd suspect low-oil cut off switch. Many cars are equipped with an oil pressure switch, if the oil falls below a certain pressure, the fuel pump will cut off, a defective switch could cause this intermittent problem. (Could be an oil pump too, but your oil light would come on just before the car dies if this were the case)

Thirdly, it could be the fuel pressure regulator - this is easy to test, and most auto parts stores rent fuel pressure testers. Unfortunately, since it's an intermittent problem, you may not be able to detect the source of the issue with a pressure tester.

Answer 2

Well the fuel filter is a cheep fix. But it could be you need to run some mystery oil in the gas tank and get rid of the gunk building up. But please replace that fuel filter first.

Answer 3

Clean and check your spark plug leads, look for any signs of "shorting" or earthing of the leads. Remove, clean and regap the spark plugs.

Answer 4

this sounds like vapor lock check and see if all the heat shields are in good condition