Ford Mondeo V6 won't start.

has it been standing for some time?

same as any petrol engine, check for fuel and spark. remove a plug, if it is wet there is fuel or something getting through), refit it to the lead and check for spark, if there are sparks, refit it, spray some carb clean or easy start in the air intake, if that makes it start momentarily there is a fuel problem, either gone off fuel, blocked filter, stuck pump etc.

mrcheerful

You say it turns over easily enough, does it possibly turn over too easily, ie faster than normal due to no compression? If so, suspect the cam belt. I'm not familiar with your engine so I don't know how easy it is to check what's turning or not. You may be able to see something moving by removing the oil filler cap.

Steve

I am fairly sure it has a chain, so that is less likely

Yeah, according to a website I have just checked the V6 does indeed have a timing chain.

I have checked for sparking and No 4 is definitely giving a spark, the plug also smells of petrol, although it isn't actually damp so I am guessing that I have fuel and spark in at least one cylinder. Battery flat now so can't check the others.

Get a decent battery on it and give it a tow, that can often coax things to life, you get a better spark since the starter isn't dragging a large electrical load.

Mrcheerful

Freshly charged battery and a boost from my Xantia and away she goes (eventually). Thanks for the help.

Was flooded from previous short run or much cranking.

All Fords have a Clear Flood facility whereby cranking with a wide open throttle shuts off the injectors totally, so its always worthwhile giving a non-starter 10-15seconds on the starter WOT just to make sure its not flooded.

Tim..

I never knew that. I'm quite impressed now.