[updated:LAST EDITED ON 06-Dec-02 AT 05:19 PM (EST)]I have been reading this forum for a couple of days and like what I see, so I am hoping that someone here can help. I appologize in advance for the length.

I have a 1990 2.3L 5 speed 2WD, base-line. No perks, no mods. I am the first owner, have put 176k+ on it with no severe problems... until now.

I was driving home one week after replacing the water pump, timing belt, and oil pump. I slowed down to make a turn, pushed in the clutch to change gears, and the little beast died. Since I was rolling, I popped the clutch and it started back up for a second, but sputtered and died again. Tried the clutch again but I lost too much momentum and it was a no go. Fortunately, I only had to push it one more block (up hill) to get it home.

When trying to start it, the fuel pump will prime, but all I get is the whir of the engine trying to start. Sounds like fuel starvation. I replaced the fuel pump relay, fuel pump strainer and fuel filter (all original). I get fuel to the throttle body with pressure (not sure how many pounds, but I got a good shower). But it still won't start.

I am no mechanic, but I have a Hayne's manual and hand tools (I do much of the work myself--successfully figuring it out as I go, so far). I do not have diagnostic tools, and lack $14.00 of having 27 cents. I still haven't figured out if the plugs are firing all around (how do you get to all 8, anyway????), and getting a wrench to the throttle body bolt locations baffles me.

Anybody got any ideas on what I should do next? Even if I were not flat broke, it is far too good a vehicle to pronounce DOA. And this is my sole transportation, so this repair is an urgent need!

I am mad, frustrated, and out of ideas.

Please help,
90 Ranger Owner

 

Since you've pretty much ruled out the fuel problem, I'd check the spark next. There are 2 good ways that I've done it.

1. Buy a spark tester. It's a little thing you hook up in-line with your plug wire, and it shows if you have spark or not.

2. The "rustic" way. Remove one plug wire from your coil, and hold the end like 3/4" from the terminal. Crank it, and look for the spark jumping from the coil to the wire. Just as a tip, I wouldn't be touching anyhing metal when I do it, either.

Or, find somebody that has the same coil packs on his truck and "borrow" them. One of the best diagnostic tools is to replace something suspected of being bad with something you know's good. That's how I found that the PCM on my 2000 had a bad seal and was a little, ahem, damp inside.

Hope this helps.

 

Rather than using the "Rustic Way" and getting yourself zapped. Make your own spark tester out of an old spark plug. Use a plug and widen the gap to about 1/10th -1/8th of an inch. Ground the plug to a metal part of the engine block. You can get fancy and make yourself a nice clip to ground the plug with but it isn't necessary, it just makes it easier to use.

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Suggestion ... if you DO get a good spark, but the thing still won't start, could it be that your new timing belt slipped a tooth?? Did you get the tension good before putting it all back together?? Keep us posted, I'm curious.

 

I'm with amp on this one -- this reeks of a loosened and slipped timing belt. Anytime something happens immediately after recent repairs, it's a good idea to check that area first.

 

I am very interested in the outcome of this problem. I have a '91 Ranger with 5 speed that will start, take me to my first stop, restart, then die. Just came home from the mall "on the hook" again last night, but I see this trend emerging. The former owner of my truck also counsels a timing belt problem, saying he had incidents of the belt jumping a tooth. Any tips or tricks on how to proceed would be most appreciated.

 

I wood recheck the timing belt,make sure it did't jump time. Also check ot see if you have spark.Hopes this helps.

 

If you do get a spark, is it possible for you to check the IGNITION TIMING? If the timing is WAY OFF, then the belt slipped. It seems very odd to me that this could happen, but it DOES HAPPEN. I had a friend with an old Escort that did the EXACT SAME THING, and it wasn't the first I'd heard of it. I'm still curious. Keep us posted.