1989 tempo 2.3 4 cyl 5 speed, runs w/ starter fluid

You have wasted a lot of money buying stuff that is not needed.
Check the pulses from the crank shaft sensor.

As it cranks, is there white or black exhaust smoke ?? If yes, the fuel injectors have solid build up on the tips. Normally, a quart bottle of injector cleaner treats 20 gallons. Pour 5 to 7 quarts of fuel injector cleaner. With cold engine (been parked for at least an hour or overnight), while cranking engine, have 2nd person spray starting fluid into air filter. DO NOT PRESS ON GAS PEDAL !!! Let the starting fluid do its job of starting the car. Starting fluid is highly combustible, so its important you don't give any gas while its cranking and 2nd person is spraying into air filter. When engine starts, stop spraying starting fluid and give a little gas. If engine begins to die, immediately spray a little starting fluid again. When engine begins to run, let it run a few minutes to let fuel injector cleaner to do its job (loosen solid carbon build up on tips of fuel injectors).

the injection pump has bit the big one.. The metering valve is stuck in it and there maybe other parts stuck as well. Suggest replacing the IP

depending on mileage, but possible tune-up could fix it. if already done then check ignition coil pack and ignition wires also spark plugs, check vacuum hoses for leaks or porous, last injectors clogged - use some techron fuel injector cleaner (wal-mart has them). Also get the throttle body and iac valve cleaned by throttle cleaner . Also this other possibilities are to be checked and confirmed.:---- Engine running rough or misfiring can be cause by the following:

1.Defective spark plugs
2.Inadequate spark/coil, defective spark plug wire.
3. Lack of compression
4.False air leakage.
5. Faulty fuel injectors.
6. Insufficient fuel pressure.
7. Contaminated fuel.
8. EGR valve that is leaking.
9. Oxygen sensors.
10. Throttle position sensor.
11. Manifold absolute pressure sensor
12.Mass Airflow Sensor
13.Idle air control valve
--------- This should help.Keep updated.Thanks.Helpmech.

It may be running a little lean when warm. Try adding an injector cleaner to clean the injectors. Also check for a vacuum leak from a bad hose.

I would change all the fluids and either try dry gas or i would recommend that the gas tank be thoroughly drained and new gas put in the tank.If you have a hard time getting started try to use starter fluid in carburetor or if you have none just use gas. If the vehicle is equipped with fuel injectors locate air filter and follow air duct to engine that is where starter fluid or gasoline will have to be pored to prime the injectors.if it don't start the engine should be tuned up with a major tune up replace all filters ect even if it starts without tune up i would tune it up asap!

u can do the check the other way around/ disconnect the fuel line that supply the injectors/ put the pipe in a small plastic container to see if fuel is being supplied by the pump and avoid fuel spill in ur engine/ crank the engine for at least 5 seconds see if the fuel squirts with pressure/ if it does then ur fuel pump is ok / blockage is somewhere down the fuel line/ u can check fuel lines by blowing it with air but u gonna need the help of an air compressor.....

Check fuel pressure and see if its around 30-35 psi while under load if not replace fuel pump, also the gas thats in the tank may be no good if it has sat for so long..

hi,

its time for new fuel filter, new fuel injectors, spark plugs, spark plug wires, cap and rotor. the engine in the tempo is a good one and if you take care of it that car should last quite a while longer..

jm

(had a 1989 Tempo AWD)

WENT A ENGINE IS PUT TO REST FOR LONG PERIOD OF TIME (4, 5YEAR)YOU GOINg TO HAVE BUILD UP EVRY WERE INJECTORS FUEL LINES FILTER SENSORS ECT......THE BAD FUEL THAT MADE POWDER DEPOSIT ON THOSE PARTS ARE A VERRY PROBLEME TO YOUR ENGINE .IF YOU CAN AT LIST CHANGE YOUR INJECTORS ,FUEL FILTER AND THE FUEL PUMP THIS ONLY WIL SOLVE YOUR PROBLEME AT 80% .....nicolas ......