I just aquired a 1988 bronco 2. Its been sitting for a year. The body is really rough but it has a newer drivetrain in it. My plan is it hit some trails with it and then take it for scrap. The guy I bought it from was driving it one day and it just shut off on him. He tried to start it again and all it would be it turn over. When the key is turned on you can here the fuel pump purge and when the engine is cranking you can smell gas at the motor. Where should I start? Coil, distrubuter, bad ground, or maybe the timing?
All pointers appreciated,
Thanks,
Rick

 

What's the fuel pressure (just because you can hear the pump running doesn't mean it's getting to the fuel rail properly)? Are the spark plugs firing?

 

Yea did ya check for spark?

 

Sounds like the TFI modual on the back of the distributor. I've had two fail in the 10 years I''ve had my truck and these symptoms sound familiar. I know on the FTE site that there are instructions on how to test it but I can't seem to find them. My instincts are not the most scientific diagnosis method but the failure sure sounds familiar. The part is worth about $85 here. I've only used the FoMoCo ones, I'm not sure if there is a jober part or not.

Good Luck

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. I guess I'll check and see if I have spark and the correct fuel psi before I go spending money on stuff I do not really need. The guy who gave me the truck mentioned something about the distributor modual but it looks like I'll need a special type of wrench to get that thing out of there. Now I have to places to start looking for the problem.
Thanks for the leads,
Rick

 

Found it. Here's the link;

http://fords.kilonet.org/ken00/1988T...tionSystem.doc

It's also in the technical info post at the top of the message board. I don't think you need a special tool though. The module just unbolts and slides straight down to detach the spade connectors on the top that plug into the distrubutor. if it checks out okay or if you install a new one don't forget the di-electric grease to insulate it from the heat of the distributor. Typically the grease breaks down over the years and the heat cooks the module. If you have a Haynes manual you can find the procedue on page 5-7.

 

You can get that tool for the TFI bodule at AutoZone for $5 or $6. It has a knurled **** about the size of a quarter attached to a socket .. works great and you'll be replacing it again if you keep that B2 for a while. I leave a spare in my glovebox.

 

We offer high quality, performance modules with more dwell time:

http://www.performancedistributors.c...50ignition.htm

 

That link doesn't even apply to the problem here. If you're going for the shameless plug like this you might want to make it the right part! LMAO

FYI the GP Sorensen EL122 module is only $35. Mine's been good to me.

 

If you had scrolled down the page, you would have seen our Dyna-Module for the TFI. We are a site sponsor and the link was not meant as a shameless plug. We were just pointing out to the gentleman that if he needed a module, we do make a high performance version.

 

Nothing on that page says you make parts for any 6 cylinder engines. Now you and I know that the 5.0 module will work but if you're cheapening up a thread with product plugs you should atleast let people know that the parts interchange instead of assuming we'd all know. Most of us come to this forum to help each other and posting a link without explaining anything makes me think you were more interested in advertising then actually helping. If that's not the case then I appoligize.

 

My apologies for not catching it was a 6 cylinder.

 

I haven't had anytime to go play with my new toy yet. Hopefully before the weekend though. I'll post again and let you guys know how I made out.
Thanks for the help.
Rick

 

Well I put a new TFI modual on the truck, still no luck. I have spark too. Whats the best thing I can do to make sure I have fuel coming to the motor?
Thanks,
Rick

 

You have a Schrader valve on the fuel rail, with the key on, the fuel pump should buzz for about 10 seconds and if you depress the needle in the valve gas should shoot up ( I use a rag )