Rodent invasion, no start
 

My 1988 2.9 L manual transmission XLT RWD was running great as usual When it was parked yesterday. It has never ever hesitated to start Before now. It turns over but it sounds really sick, tries to start but just can’t get it going. I pulled the cover over the relays and wiring harnesses between the air cleaner and the passenger fender. There was a fresh nest Of shredded newspaper and vegetation. I’ve vacuumed the debris and inspected the wiring as carefully as I can. I’ve looked at all of the visible wiring in the engine compartment as well, and can see no chewed wires. I would be really surprised if this was coincidental but don’t know where to start in diagnosing the electrical short or broken wire that the critters might have created. The only other clue is that even with a brief round of grinding the starter, there seems to be more of a gasoline smell under the hood than normal. I really appreciate your help!

Welcome to the forum

First test when there is a Crank but No Start is the 50/50 test
Pull off the large air tube from the intake
Spray fuel into the intake, you can use gasoline, quick start(ether), carb cleaner...........
Try to start
If it starts and then dies you have a fuel delivery issue
If it doesn't start/fire its a spark issue
50/50 instant results

Hey, RonD. Thanks for the tip. I am now 50% better off than I was, I will be as soon as I get out to Do the spray routine.

Let us know then we can have suggestions for spark or fuel issues