Hi my name is Dennis. I am hoping I can get some suggestions on fixing my problem. I have a 1996 Damon Intruder with a 460 Engine in it. This motor has performed flawless for 9 years since I have owned it. I do regular service as air cleaners, oil changes and little needs that arise. Here's my Question.Yesterday I get in it to take it for inspection for new plates. It cranks up without fail as always and I let it idle for about a minute or so while I get it prepared to drive. All of a sudden it dies and for the first time in 9 years the Check Engine light comes on. Now it won't start. It cranks good but just won't fire up.. I am pretty sure it has about a half tank of fuel in it but now the gauge is on the 3/4 mark full and does not drop down when I shut the key off.So any ideas as to where to start?? I have looked all over for a place to scan the system with my scanner but haven't found one yet.I did find a hose that had deteriorated and cracked. I repaired it temporarily to see if that helped but it didn't. I runs from the back of the engine about mid ways and goes to a valve of some kind on top of the valve cover. then it runs down along side the engine toward the bottom. I will try to get a picture soon.So with what I have said where do I start.Thanks Much Dad

I always start with the basics: Does it have spark? Does it have gas? Put a spark tester on one of the plugs. Put a fuel pressure gauge on the test port if it has one.

Here's a link to a thread that might help find the diagnostic port - http://www.irv2.com/forums/f23/location-of-obd-connector-97-f53-258440.html

Thanks Much. That's where I'm headed next. I am installing a new air filter element and the little crankcase breather element. Then I will do the spark test and go from there.Thanks so much for your input. I think I'm to old to retire!!!!Dad

Quick and simple test.• Crank as usual but for no more than 30 seconds. No start, proceed.• Place the accelerator pedal ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR and start cranking.• After about 10-15 seconds, start slowly releasing the the accelerator pedal.• If the problem is what I think it is (a stuck Idle (IAC) Valve) it should start before 30 seconds of cranking.If your lazy, just continue to use this method or replace the IAC.

Try to get a loaner OBD tester and get the code. Autozone, O'Reilly's

Ford 460 Class A question?? | Good Sam Community

Son_of_Norway
Explorer
Oct 24, 2018
I always start with the basics: Does it have spark? Does it have gas? Put a spark tester on one of the plugs. Put a fuel pressure gauge on the test port if it has one.
ksg5000
Explorer
Oct 24, 2018
Here's a link to a thread that might help find the diagnostic port - http://www.irv2.com/forums/f23/location-of-obd-connector-97-f53-258440.html
dad4papa2
Explorer
Oct 24, 2018
Thanks Much. That's where I'm headed next. I am installing a new air filter element and the little crankcase breather element. Then I will do the spark test and go from there.
Thanks so much for your input. I think I'm to old to retire!!!!
Dad
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Oct 24, 2018
Quick and simple test.

• Crank as usual but for no more than 30 seconds. No start, proceed.
• Place the accelerator pedal ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR and start cranking.
• After about 10-15 seconds, start slowly releasing the the accelerator pedal.
• If the problem is what I think it is (a stuck Idle (IAC) Valve) it should start before 30 seconds of cranking.

If your lazy, just continue to use this method or replace the IAC.
enblethen
Nomad
Oct 24, 2018
Try to get a loaner OBD tester and get the code. Autozone, O'Reilly's
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Oct 24, 2018
It’s OBD I so not as helpful as OBDII but worth a try.

On my 96 you had to take the doghouse off and it was on a bracket on the left (drivers) side.

On some it’s near the accelerator. Rarely is it by the left side of the steering column.

With OBDII the location got more defined.
enblethen
Nomad
Oct 24, 2018
Early codes can be read by following once you locate the connector.
OBD I
dad4papa2
Explorer
Oct 25, 2018
Wow thanks much. I have an OBD 1 tester. But I could never find the location of it. I will for sure look in these areas mentioned. Never dreamed it to be under the doghouse.
On a good note I think I have found the culprit. I will know more tomorrow but I think it is out of gas. My tank may have been tapped into. I went around to the drivers side to unplug the motoehome and as usual I always by habit twist the gas cap to make sure it is tight like it should be. Low and behold the cap had been removes and just laid back over the gas tank nozzle. not screwed on at all. I went and picke up 5 gallon of gas and poured in it and turn the key on and it kicked off immediatly like it always have. I will go gas her up tomorrow and check this theory out. I'll let you all know.

anyway thanks so much for the tips. I appreciate it.

Dad
dad4papa2
Explorer
Oct 25, 2018
Ok here is some more info. In my 1996 ford Chassis Book it says my Motorhome has an OBD II system. Where do I find the connection for scanning the system. I have a scanner and that should tell me whats going on in most case.

Went out this mourning and it kicked right off and set and idled for several minutes. Run smooth with no issues. Ran for probably 5 minutes and Check engine light and Battery light came on and it died very quickly. Almost like turnining the key off. I'm going to do the spark test now and will get back to you.
But if anyone knows where the OBD II connector is please let me know. The book does not tell me.

Thanks so much in advance.

Dennis
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Oct 25, 2018
I don’t think 96s had OBDII. MY 96 was under the dog house on a bracket on the left side of the intake.