I have a 1987 Ford Ranger 2.3 L 4 banger that will not start!! It has been sitting for a while but it used to start. Before I parked it for 6 months it would start up and kind of idle up and idle down but after it warmed up it was fine. It idled up and down to the point where it almost stalled. I replaced one of the fuel filters (the inline one in front of the fuel pump). I went to go replace the one in the reservoir (behind the pump) and that's where my trouble started. Just to let you know 1987 and on Rangers DON'T take a filter in there. Pre 87 Rangers DO! Well, I ended up having to buy a new reservoir and I just installed it today. Now the truck won't start. I checked for spark and it's there. I checked the codes and there are none. How do I check if I am getting fuel? That's where I THINK the problem is. Could it be something else? There is enough gas in the tank (about 3 inches from the bottom). Please help me! Thanks!

-Matt

 

Pull a plug and look for gas, install a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel rail or VERY carefullly, taking safety precautions, press the valve on the fuel rail while covered it with a rag.

 

When I pulled a plug to look for spark I was like 90% sure there was no gas on it. Is the fuel rail pressure valve beside the valve cover. Kinda looks like a valve on a tire? Just press it in and some gas should spray out because it's fuel injected?? If none sprays out then its a fuel problem I am assuming? Which then means it's probably my fuel pump because when I turn my key forward I don't here it making any noise. So then I have to take it off. Is there a way to test it? Thanks again Ken!

-Matt

 

The valve looks like the ones on the AC. If you have fuel pressure it will spray out big time, thats why all the safety stuff. If you don't hear the pumps then I would check the electrical before replacing the pump(s), you have two.

 

Ok, well, I think it's the pump. I know there is one on the frame right below the driver's seat. Where would the other one be if there is one? How would I go about testing one? SHould I take it out? (Looks like a pretty crappy job!!) How much for a new one if it is required (approx??). I really appreciate this. Thats why I LOVE this site so much! I learn so much stuff. Thanks!

-Matt

 

You have a low pressure one in the tank and the one on the frame rail is the high pressure. I wouldn't think both are bad, try checking the connection for each for 12V. If you have power at both reconnect one and see if you hear it run for a few seconds when the key is first turned on, they will only run a few seconds if the engine is not started. The one on the rail is pretty easy as far as removal, the one in the tank requires either dropping the tank or removing the bed, remove the bed. Don't know cost.

 

I checked for my fuel pump in the tank, it works! I listened to the one on the frame rail, NOTHING! So I hooked it up directly to the battery and nothing. So, I took it off. Man, that thing was pretty hard to get off. The whole bracket seems to be rusted to the point where I need to get a new one. (Where would I get one?) I hooked the pump directly to the battery once it was out of the truck and still nothing so I thing it is toast. I think I burned it out trying to start it when my fuel wasn't hooked up properly. I believe the fuel keeps it cool and since there was no fuel it overheated and is now garbage. So, I am gonna go buy a new one and see what happens. Any particular brand you would recommend? Just a regular type? If you have any more suggestions let me know. Thanks!

-Matt

By the way, if I can't get a new bracked what would be the best way to put the new pump back in? I am pretty sure my old bracket is shot. Thanks again!

 

You are correct about the fuel cooling the pump. The only place I can think of, other than the dealer, would be the junkyard.

 

Well, I think I figured out how to mount the new fuel pump on when I get one. Do you know if it is a dealer-only item? If they are not too expensive I am going to get a brand new one, otherwise my dad has one in his old '88 F-150 that looks the same. Would probably work?? Thanks again Ken. I'll let you know how it goes. I have next week off for vacation so that will probably be what I am doing.

-Matt

 

I got the new (well, used from that 88 F150, it worked) fuel pump all put on and it worked! Started it up. Ran kinda rough for a few minutes (because it has been sitting for a year) then it wasn't too bad. Was getting ready to finally drive it, then put my foot on the brake. Brake lines burst! Stupid!!! AHHHHH! NOOOOOOOO!!!! Now I am back to square one! Gotta replace the line! Not looking forward to it! At least the engine runs! Except for the fact that it kinda idles up and down at first and then stalls. What could that be? Thanks for all your help Ken! Appreciate it!

-Matt

 

I would try cleaning the IAC for the idle problem. Better to have the line break now rather than going 50, might check the others.

 

I will check the IAC. All the front brake lines are going to have to be replaced. Mine as well do them all at once, especially when the box is off. Thanks

-Matt