Auto Caravelle won't start

[Bullifamilie]

Currently can't get my 1989 Auto Caravelle 2.1MV to start. Initial problem started on Thursday, filled up with fuel in the morning and when driving home from work in the afternoon, I started to loose power, this got worse very quickly, I pulled over the van stalled. I briefly got it going, but it was as if the timing was way out, then after a few tries it wouldn't start at all.

Been looking at it today, got fuel and spark but it won't go, checked quite a few things out but my preference at the moment is fuel or just not getting it cranking quick enough. I' m Sure the auto starter motor is higher capacity than the manual, is that correct? will a manual starter be able to get it started (I've got a couple spare).

On the fuel side, I've tried another pump, replaced the filter and even run off a jerry can to eliminate bad fuel. Fuel pressure when cranking is good but it does drop quickly when you stop cranking. Haven't tried another pressure regulator, my thinking was it should start with good pressure, but maybe by the time my pressure is up my cranking speed is dropping. Only had this van a short period and it's always started first time but not like my manual vans. Have done a volume test at the pressure regulator, that seemed good and I've had the injectors out to watch them spraying but not done a volume test on them.

Have also played with a new hall sensor as it looked like someone had played with the wires, and tried a new dizzy and plugs along with a different coil. Also checked out the wiring to ECU and ECU/fuel pump relays.

Have turned the engine by hand just to check everything was moving correctly.

Has anyone got any suggestions? I'm running out of ideas. Anything specific to the Auto. First van in 11 years that I can't get started.

[jamesc76]

Manual starter is different, im sure there is a switch in the gear selector that might be worth a check as if it isnt switching to say its in park it wont start?

[Bullifamilie]

The engine won't crank if it's not in Park or Neutral. Mines cranking just not starting.

Agree the manual started is different, but is the auto a higher power starter?

[1664]

You did put the right grade of petrol in? I know that sounds simple but it will make a hell of a difference if you put standard unleaded in when the tanks nearly empty and your engine's set up for premium petrol. Even a 50-50 mix of standard and premium made mine as rough as old boots so I image a 90-10 mix would make things pretty difficult.