Howdy! I was tooling down the freeway,and all of the sudden my truck lost power,and I slowed down to a stop.It cranks over,but did not Fire....sounded like no gas! Before i start messing with a fuel pump,I wanted to try this first.Sad to say, I have never replaced my fuel filter in my 1986 Ranger. After crawling under the drivers side,in the frame,i noticed a return line,and a fuel supply line. Should I replace these with after market lines? I don't think they are just 3/8 fuel hoses. They have a duck clamp on each end. Are there two filters I have to replace? I think the first one closest to the engine is a longated,round cylinder,about 2 inches in dia.x 6-7 inches long. it appears to have tabs that I bend back,unhook the fuel lines,and replace.????? And the second closest to the fuel tank is a Black round unit. Do both of these come off easy? Any Ideas? Thanks! Bozo4ford
86' 2.3 efi 5-speed 2 wheel drive

 

Well...I don't know much about this old of a Ranger since I pretty much just work on my '96 2.3L but lets see here. I think you only have one fuel filter and maybe the other part you see is an external pump? Not sure. But to check your pump, open your gas cap and have some one try starting the engine and you should hear it sucking if the pump is working. If you don't hear it, chances are pump is bad. But depending on when you last did a tune up, wouldn't hurt to change plugs, wires, air filter, fuel filter, distributor, rotor, cap, etc. Personally I like to make sure I change my filters once a year and the plugs and wires about every 50,000 miles. I hope this helps you out some if not completely solves your problem. Goodluck.

James

 

Thanks aksniper!
I replaced my Spark plugs/wires,Distributor cap,condenser,Coil,Ignition Contol Module(under the Distr.Cap,)before the problem. I got it running after sitting for 1/2 hour,but decided to replace my cartridge type Fuel filter(near the tank,driver's side in the frame. Ford sez there are two types...INLINE,and CARTRIDGE TYPE.I also replaced the Fuel pump relay on the passenger's side under the Air filter compartment(green box mounted on the front quarter panel wall). Others have said it may be my Timing belt,or the computer wire coming out of the battery Post to a wire harness,etc. I needed to replace my exhaust manifold,and also my o2 Sensor.
All I know is it is running well,and must have got a bubble in the line or something temporary...unless I am in denial. If one replaces the Cartridge filter,be patient,and NOT in a hurry. After playing around with the inertia switch located on the passenger's side up in the firewall,over the hump,which never popped up,as much as I was banging on it,I waited a while,unloosened the gas cap,and it took me a couple of times to align the "O" ring inside the cover,before it would seat right,and NOT pump the gas out of the cover...F.Y.I. The INLINE which is about 1/2 feet over towards the engine on the same frame...well,i'm leaving that alone. From what I understand,you would need a speacial fuel line removal tool for that. I think if there was dirt in the line,it would be at the first filter from the tank,but what do I know. Thanks, bozo4ford

 

Hmm...Well like I said don't really know too much about the older models but can help on some things. As far as your exhaust manifold and 02 sensor, I'd say unless its got holes in it, or you wanna switch to new headers, then wouldn't really worry about it much, but thats me (but then I'm upgrading to headers too so I don't worry about it). Although being that not everyone has a scope to check the 02 sensors, I kind of figure might as well change them every year or other year. Another cheap part that helps with how your truck runs and stuff. If you're going to change that though, I've heard that its best to go ahead and run your engine for a couple minutes before turning off and removing. Something about it warming up the metal down there and allowing to remove it. Appearantly if its just cold then it won't come out. I remember talking with a mechanic before and they were talking about how some of the older trucks had two fuel pumps. There would be one either back in the tank or just outside the tank and one just outside the firewall. The one back at the tank was supposed to be like 50psi and then about 20psi at the firewall. I think if I had a setup like that then I'd want a fuel filter at both ends too. Oh, and the fuel line disconnect tool you're talking about is just a plastic tool, normally a cheap item at most parts stores. Had to buy one just to change my fuel filter. I wasn't too happy. Anyways, Goodluck.

James

 

Thanks aksniper!
Again,thanks for the reply. My exhaust manifold was really loud,soooo I removed the top of the heat sheild from the manifold,and lo and behold...I found a 1/4 inch gap or more,at the seam,and all around it.
It needed to be replaced for a "Test only" Smog test. The tech told me he wouldn't test it until that was fixed.
I changed my 02 sensor,becuz I figured it needed replacing to help the Smog pass. The guy ahead of me at the smog test failed becuz....are you ready for this.....The gas cap needed to be replaced! Sooooo I figured anything I can do for my old engine,the better! Thanks, and take care, bozo4ford