89 Mustang not starting

strgrl

I got this e-mail from a friend. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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Hey!

First, a happy Valentine's day for everyone, especially since mine got off
to such a crazy start.

I jumped in the Mustang, to shuttle into work. Although the battery was
juiced up, the engine wouldn't turn over.

Some problems I can imagine offhand would be: 1) the distributor cap, 2) the
starter, and 3) a clogged fuel filter?

But, I'm not the most terribly car competent person, so I don't know EXACTLY
what I'm looking for. Like, for example, what would a bad starter look like?

Anyways, I would appreciate any advice or web links for anyone who has also
had to deal with this generic car trouble. In case you're wondering, I drive
a V-4, standard, '89 Mustang LX.

ccotenj

like a clicking sound?

1) if it's not "turning over", you can eliminate the fuel filter.

2) you can't "look" at a starter and tell whether it's bad or not.

3) did you test the battery to see if it's "juiced"?

-Chris

stealth1969

I have an 88 Mustang. There were only 2 engines offered, an inline 4 (2.3l) and a v-8 (5.0l). Mine is an auto trans, but I would first make sure the trans is in neutral and the clutch is pressed all of the way in. Then try it. Other than that, the above questions would need to be answered.

Mr_Shiftright

I think we'd better get more info...what does he mean "not turning over"....does the engine crank over and not start, or does the engine just sit there....VERY important difference in diagnosis!

ccotenj

yea, i was kinda hoping for a little more info...

-Chris