Sylvie Willis
The fuel lines of a 1987 Ford Crown Victoria LX are located behind the alternator. The fuel pump relay is on the driver's side fender near the washer fluid/coolant tank. There are three relays in that location, one of which is the fuel pump relay. If you are experiencing issues with your fuel pump, it is recommended to check for fuel pressure and the wiring into the plugs.
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What You'll Learn
Check for fuel pressure
To check for fuel pressure in your 1987 Crown Victoria, you can start by checking for the common OBD II trouble code P0087, which indicates that there is an issue with getting enough fuel pressure to the fuel rails. This code is likely to be accompanied by drivability issues, which will depend on whether the fuel pressure is staying consistently low or fluctuating in and out of the normal operating range.
Before doing anything else, check to see if your Crown Victoria has a fuel pressure test port at the fuel rail or in the fuel line. You will need to look up the fuel pressure specifications for your engine and model year. If the fuel pressure is okay, you may have a bad fuel pressure sensor or a bad wiring connection to the fuel pump. A bad fuel pressure sensor will usually trigger either P0191 or P0190, and the check engine light may come on.
If you are experiencing misfires, you may get P0300 (random misfire, all cylinders) along with P0087. As long as you fix the lack of fuel pressure, the misfire should correct itself. Poor fuel mileage can also be a symptom of low fuel pressure due to the air/fuel mixture being off.
Other things to check include the fuel tank, which may have been damaged on the bottom, and the fuel filter, which may be clogged and causing low fuel pressure.
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Check the wiring into the plugs
To check the wiring into the plugs of your 1987 Crown Victoria, you will first need to remove the spark plugs. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Pull the fuse for the fuel pump (refer to your owner’s manual for guidance).
- Turn off the engine and wait for it to cool down.
- Detach the wire from each spark plug you are checking.
- Use a socket wrench to loosen each spark plug. Once it’s loose, you can unscrew the rest by hand.
- Visually inspect the spark plugs to see if any are clearly bad. Some signs of a bad spark plug include excess wear, fuel and oil contamination, fraying, or rotting.
- If you notice any of the above signs, you will need to replace the spark plug wires.
- When installing the new spark plugs, carefully install the new spark plug(s), being mindful to not cross-thread it. Use your wrench and tighten to the proper torque as indicated in your owner’s manual or spark plug box.
- Apply a small amount of plug wire grease to the plug wire boot. Then reconnect each plug wire to the correct spark plug.
- Reconnect the fuel supply.
- Start your engine. If there are no unusual engine lights or warnings, you’re good to go!
To test spark plug wires, you can use a multimeter to check for resistance. Here is a guide:
- Set your multimeter to the appropriate setting. Most multimeters use the Omega symbol for quick reference.
- Before testing the circuit, connect the leads together.
- Probe one end of the circuit with one lead, and then probe the other end with the other lead.
- If the circuit is incomplete, your multimeter will display an unlimited ohms reading.
- If the number is dramatically higher than expected, it may indicate that there is a partial break in the circuit or a poor connection, and the wire may need to be replaced.
It is important to note that you should always exercise caution when working with electrical components. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection, and disconnect the car battery before beginning your work.
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Check the fuel lines behind the alternator
To check the fuel lines behind the alternator of your 1987 Ford Crown Victoria, you will first need to check for fuel pressure. Even if you hear the pump turning on, it might still not be pumping any fuel.
The fuel lines come up to the motor behind the alternator. You should be able to locate a metal valve on one of the lines that looks like a tire valve stem. Push the needle valve down and check if you get a strong spray of fuel.
Additionally, you can try removing the air filter hose and spraying starter fluid into the intake to see if the engine starts. This will help you determine if there is an issue with the fuel lines or another component.
If you are experiencing issues with the fuel system, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic or refer to a repair manual specific to your vehicle for more detailed instructions and safety precautions.
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Check for dried dielectric grease
Dielectric grease is a common product used in garages across the US. It is a viscous, non-conductive, waterproof substance that is used to protect electrical connections from corrosion and dirt. It is typically made of a silicone base and a thickener, and has a slightly translucent grayish or milky clear colour. Dielectric grease is not an automotive necessity, but it can help extend and maintain the life and quality of your vehicle and its parts.
When checking for dried dielectric grease, you should first pop the hood of your Crown Victoria with the car in park and cooled down. Remove a spark plug boot and clean the spark plug and the plug boot. You can then apply a small amount of dielectric grease around the inner wall of the spark plug boot with a cotton swab.
Dielectric grease is not a conductor, so it will not improve connectivity. However, it helps maintain a good connection by acting as a lubricant, sealant, insulator, and protectant. You do not need to use a lot of dielectric grease to achieve its purpose.
It is important to note that dielectric grease is not recommended for use on fuel pump connections as it can be washed away by the gas. Additionally, if it gets on the mating surfaces of the connector, it can increase resistance and cause localized heating.
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Check the EEC relay
To check the EEC relay of your 1987 Crown Victoria, you must first locate the EEC relay. It is located on the driver's side, near the washer fluid/coolant tank. There are three relays in this location, one is the EEC relay, another is the fuel pump relay, and the last one is the A/C cutout relay. The EEC relay drives the fuel pump relay, so if the EEC relay is faulty, the fuel pump relay will not be energised.
You can check if the EEC relay is working correctly by observing whether the fuel pump is operating when the ignition switch is turned to "on". If the fuel pump is not operating, this could indicate a faulty EEC relay. You can also try whacking the relay on the top to see if it energises without the key on, as sometimes the latches on these relays fail to catch.
Additionally, you can check the wiring into the plugs to ensure there are no nicks or exposed wires. If the EEC relay is not functioning properly, you may need to replace it or consult a mechanic for further assistance.
It is worth noting that there are other potential causes for fuel pump issues, such as a faulty fuel pump or issues with the wiring or connectors. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly diagnose the issue before concluding that the EEC relay is at fault.
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Frequently asked questions
If you can hear the fuel pump kicking in when the key is turned to the "on" position but your car is still not starting, you should check for fuel pressure. Even if the pump is turning on, it might not be pumping any fuel.
The fuel lines come up to the motor behind the alternator.
The fuel pump relay is on the driver's side fender near the washer fluid/coolant tank. There are three relays in that location, one is the EEC relay, one is the A/C cutout relay, and the other is the fuel pump relay.
