YACT: '96 Taurus won't start

[BUTCH1]

Get a Haynes or chiltons for the car, then you can see what your up against before
you attempt it. I got lucky on my escort, the pump was accessible from under the rear seat.
he should go the new filter route first since it's the cheapest.

 

[Avalon]

*thread necro!*
Well, after two weeks of being sick, I finally took my old starter in and got a reman for $90. Popped it in, works good, car started on the first try without hesitation (was a bit surprised at this).

Unfortunately, and I don't know what happened, but I now have a massive power steering fluid leak. I noticed tons of power steering fluid all over the PSF container when I was putting the starter in, and wiped it clean...refilled it. Took a ride across the parking lot in my apartment complex to get mail, and the damn thing was squeaking horribly turning back into my spot to park.

In addition to that, my engine sounds HORRIBLE. It feels like it is running smooth, but it's running at a very higher pitched sound, even at idle, as opposed to the low rumbling it's supposed to make. I have no clue what changed in between the three weeks it sat in my parking spot. Oy.

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: Avalon
Unfortunately, and I don't know what happened, but I now have a massive power steering fluid leak. I noticed tons of power steering fluid all over the PSF container when I was putting the starter in, and wiped it clean...refilled it. Took a ride across the parking lot in my apartment complex to get mail, and the damn thing was squeaking horribly turning back into my spot to park.

You probably got power steering fluid on the belt; that will eat the belt up quick. Fix the leak, take off the old belt and clean the pullys with a greese remover such as brake cleaner before installing a new belt.

Originally posted by: Avalon
In addition to that, my engine sounds HORRIBLE. It feels like it is running smooth, but it's running at a very higher pitched sound, even at idle, as opposed to the low rumbling it's supposed to make. I have no clue what changed in between the three weeks it sat in my parking spot. Oy.

best guess without hearing the sound: you hit the exaust while taking out the starter and knocked a hole in it, or in some way the exaust is not lining up. Check for leaks.