car problem

[1234567]

On my 1990 crown victoria 5.0 liter v8 the motor won't start but the starter does start what is the problem?

[allan.g0ias]

Possible that the spring on the drive has broken... when the starter is engaged this spring throws the starter cog out against the flywheel ring gear, if the spring brakes the motor still turns but the pinion will not engage the flywheel, so the engine will not start...get a couple of strong lads... or park it on a hill..! or better still a re-con starter motor.... IF you can find one.

[New Forester]

I think we need some more symptoms. Do you mean that the starter turns the engine over, but it doesn't fire, or that the starter makes a noise but the engine doesn't turn? If the former, it's the usual suspects -- no fuel, no spark, too-slow cranking, timing out, etc etc. If the latter, allan.g0ias's suggestion could be it. Other possibilities are a very weak battery, so the mechanism doesn't engage (this gives a rapid rattle), or a lack of lubrication on a sliding cog, or stripped teeth on starter or flywheel. Or more things I can't think of at the moment. A loose starter motor, thus incorrectly aligned? Is it an automatic? If so a bump-start may not be much use. Good luck.

[Yinzer]

I just had my 1988 Town Car (similar cars, same company) in the shop, same symptoms, tried jumpstarting the battery but actually ended up needing to replace the "ignition coil", whatever that is, as well as the spark plugs and wires just for good measure. Only way to really know is to have a mechanic look at it. Do you still have the owner's manual?