1989 F-250 w/5.8 351

I have:

- 40 lb Fuel pressure on the fuel bar

- Replaced ½ fuel injectors

- Replaced Fuel Pressure regulator

- Replaced pumps

- Replaced Fuel filters

-Replaced solenoid

It will fire and run when fed starter fluid

It will not start with the key in the ignition, I am using a push start between the batter and starter solenoid.



Looking for some guidance on what to do next.

 

Do you have any kind of test equip like a test light or multimeter Yes/No ?

When the key is in the on position, you should have power at each injector, do you? If not check all the fuses.

The ECA provides the ground for the injectors to fire, we need to know if that is available. All we do is connect the clip of the test light to the battery positive terminal and probe any fuel injector to see if the ECA is providing that ground signal. Usually power coming to the injectors is on a red wire and the ground is from the other wire on the injector plug . If the ECA is providing the ground the test light should blink every time it gets grounded WHEN YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE.
The starter must be cranking over the engine to do this test. Do the test on at least 2 injectors.

If the test fails , there may be a problem with the ECA. Before going any further , lets see what we have. I wouldn't change the ECA just yet.

 

The ECA is very reliable. Only issue with these older units is the failure of capacitors on the PC board of the ECA. Fuel system issues show up.Once you remove its cover, visually look for leaky or bulged out capacitors, this will confirm failure.. There are three of them, you can likely restore operation by replacing these if you can solder or replace the entire ECU.

 

The way things work,
If you go out and buy a new ECM , you will have one..
They are becoming a little difficult to get in some areas.
That way if you suspect an ECM problem , you can change it and know for sure.
If changing the ECM solves the problem, you can send the old one out for repair or if you can see the problem , maybe repair it yourself.
Funny thing though, if you have a spare ECM, somehow you just never need it.

 

I pulled out the ECU. It had water damage and mud in it.
I have replaced it.
I now have no pressure at the injector bar.

I am going to pull the ECU and reseat the connection. Definitely scratching my head

 

If you can,
remove the 2 screws that hold the cover on the ECA, which you may have already done to see mud etc., . If you have either low pressure compressed air or shop vac that you can utilize the pressure part and blow out the dirt and moisture from the original ECA, you may just correct the original problem. Those older computer assys were pretty tough and could handle blowing out moisture without much problem. I'm sure you now know, how it all got in there.

Where did you get the replacement computer?