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1990 Ranger help. No Start

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Old Jul 7, 2025 | 06:49 PM
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1990 Ranger help. No Start

I got a 1990 ford ranger with a 2.3l four cylinder. It cranks over but doesn't start. I replaced the fuel pump, ecm, crank position sencer. I'm till not getting anywhere with the truck. I need help to look at the next thing?
 
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Old Jul 7, 2025 | 10:53 PM
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Find out if it has spark. That seems like the most likely problem, based on the year and ignition system. No spark.

Use a spark tester, or a spare spark plug, or a screwdriver in a plug boot. Many ways.
 
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Old Jul 9, 2025 | 08:41 PM
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I got spark. Messed with the ecm and got it. It sounds like it wants to catch but just not getting there. What's the next thing to check?
 
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Old Jul 11, 2025 | 03:42 PM
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There is a pickup inside the distributer that can go bad. Then there is an ignition module that takes the distributor signal and tells computer when to fire injectors AND when to fire the coil. Check out this u tube for better understanding .
you need to know the fuel pressure at the rail is good. Might want to pull the injectors and clean using valve stem, choke cleaner and a 9v battery.
 
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Old Jul 11, 2025 | 03:48 PM
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I have a DSI system. No distributor.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2025 | 03:18 PM
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The DIS system is very reliable so timing of the spark and fuel should be fine as long as crank trigger is good. I'm leaning toward fuel. Can you spray carb cleaner in intake tube and get it to fire? There is a cam synchronizer in place of distributor cap that could cause a fueling issue.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2025 | 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by KRG85
I got spark. Messed with the ecm and got it.
Has it ever run for you? You replaced a bunch of parts and "messed with the ECM" to get spark. What does messed with the ECM mean? Something odd here.
 
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Old Jul 15, 2025 | 08:59 AM
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Here is some interesting info concerning the dis system. Link is: https://www.fordforumsonline.com/thr...-systems.3764/


Keep trying until it starts and then you'll know which sensor is bad.
Keep trying until it starts and then you'll know which sensor is bad.
 
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Old Jul 15, 2025 | 01:55 PM
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Crank no start is the worst

I've been through this several times with half the vehicles I've owned. First thing that I do now is grab a spray bottle and put some gas in it. Disconnect the air intake hose from the intake body. If you don't have a assistant to crank over the engine while you squirt gas in the intake just give it a few good squirts and then go crank it over if it runs you can cycle the key and listen for the fuel pump to see if it is working you'll hear it start humming if it's good. If you aren't that lucky you can start looking for a electrical problem. Check your fuse's and replace any blown my worst experience was with a inline fuse next to the battery that ran the fuel injection system. I beat my head against the fender for almost 3days and 15 minutes after I found it by accident my buddy that sold it to me informed me that he had to fix the same thing several times himself. Go figure hopefully this helps or best case I'm to late and you're on the road already.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2025 | 01:19 PM
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Well I helped a buddy work on one of these yesterday and we found that the belt made slipped 4 teeth. The keyway should be at 12 o'clock and the other two gears should be pointed to their respective marks. We almost missed it as the cam and oil pump gears were alinged at their marks BUT the crank keyway was more like 2- 3 o'clock. Pulled #1 plug and verified the crank was too far advanced m3aning the firing of fuel and spark would be late to the party. I was told this truck wouldn't crank and I know it has sat for 10+ years. Now if we can get a pump in and flush the fuel lines we'll see how she goes.
 
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