Chrysler Repair: fuel to car, plug caps, car question

Question
QUESTION: i have a 1991 lebaron. Just replaced the fuel tank,pump, filter and gas lines(alos brake lines). Tried starting vehical but won't start. Fuel pump is huming.It is getting gas up to the line going into carb but i dont think gas into the carb. Sprayed gas in the carb and the car starts for a couple seconds, then stalls. Only computer codes are 37 and 55

ANSWER: Hi William,
The 55 code just means 'end of readout'. 37 is about the torque converter lock-up clutch that is unrelated to starting. I would suggest a couple of things:
re-read the codes, because the 37 might be actually 4 smaller numbers that are actually different codes than you think (12 and 25 for example, so look closely for pauses).
Then check to be sure that you have spark for a full 5 seconds of cranking using a screwdriver with an insulated handle with the tip deep into one of the spark plug caps and the two held together with the shaft of the screwdriver 1/4" from the cylinder head while a helper cranks the engine over.
Tell me the engine that you are working with. It could be the egr valve is stuck ajar if it has one.
Those are some of things to try.
Roland
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Roland, to follow up on your answer, the longer I spray fuel into the carb, the longer the engine runs. The engine is 6 cyl. 3.0

Hi William,
With regard to your observations: do you hear the fuel pump run for about 1 second when you first turn the key to the "run" position? That is normal, so if you don't we have to figure out why that is.
Now that I know you have a 3.0L and you said the fuel isn't getting to the carb (I presume you meant the throttle body) then let me mention that the fuel is not injected at the throttle body but rather by individual injectors at each cylinder so that is why you wouldn't see it at the throttle plate. If the fuel pump does hum as I described, then you may have to measure the fuel pressure in the line that feed the fuel rail which distributes the fuel to the injectors. It should be about 48 psi.
If by chance this car was originally sold in California, then it would have an exhaust gas recirculation valve which might be ajar and thinnning out the mixture (let me know if that is the case). Otherwise that is a moot point.
How about pulling a spark plug to smell whether it is gassy or not? All these are ways of at least verify whether or not you are getting fuel to the cylinders.
Roland
PS Thanks for the rating. If you would care to give me a vote (nomination) for 'expert of the month', that would be much appreciated.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Roland,

I pulled a plug out it & it smells like gas. Tried a new fuel pump, gas is going up to the throttle body and back through the return tube to the tank. Pulled injector tops and checked out. they are O.k. (getting voltage. Pulled the fuel rail and blew it out.didn't check fuel pressure, but took line off at throttle body and gas shoots across room. Did'nt see and EGR valve. The car has sat awhile without running (9 months approx.) Again when i shoot gas in in throttle body, it runs. I am starting to think the injectors are partialy clogged? I will take them out and clean them. Plenty of spark at the plug. Aslo, could the fuel pressure regulator be bad? thnak again for your help and time on this

Answer
Hi William,
It appears that you do have spark, and spark timing,  and fuel getting to the cylinders via some if not all the injectors. And it appears that you don't have an egr because it isn't a California car originally. I guess that leaves mixture or perhaps some cylinders aren't getting fuel due to injector clogged problems. You might verify that all the plugs are wet before pulling all the injectors. If the pressure reg wasn't doing its job of limiting the pressure then of course it would run richer than it is supposed to. But if you could measure it that might save you the cost of buying an unneeded new regulator.
I would also re-read the codes to see if that "37" might not be something else that would give us a clue.
Roland
PS: If you want to get back to me without waiting use the "thank/rate" tab. Once again, if you would go there and in the evaluation area where you see 'nomination' be so kind as to change the 'no' to a 'yes' I would really be appreicative. Thanks

What is the easiest way to check the fuel pressure valve? IS there an easy way to check the fuel injectors without pulling them out? The codes mentioned before seem to be clearly 37 and 55. It sounds like we are narrowing down the problem, again I appreciate the time and help. P.S.(I also have a Chrysler crossfire tranny issue that I will soon be bothering you about) none of the dealers can figuare it out.

Hi William,
The fuel rail on the front side (I believe, about half way across the engine) has a fuel pressure test port. You would need to buy a fuel gauge and plug it into that port and then crank the engine to read the pressure. The other choice would be to check the price of a fuel pressure regulator and simply replace it, but you would still not have a reading just assurance that you have a good regulator. A qualitative check of injectors would be to pull all the spark plugs, after cranking it for maybe 5 seconds at a time for maybe 5 or so separate times. That should blow out all the starting fluid you spreayed in,  but when you then pull and inspect the plugs if an injector was working you would expect the plug on that cylinder would be equally 'wet' with gas as that of anyother plug. Compare the 6 plugs to see if they seem about equally wet. Very non-quantitative but is should reveal if any of the injectors was not putting out any gas. About the tranny, I only have trans manual for '03 and then that is based upon fault code numbers. So if you have a number I can look it up.
Roland
PS Thanks much for the nomination.
PPS Just on a chance, try disconnecting the battery. That will erase the codes. Then crank it, and then see if you 12 and 55, or 12 37 55 or ?