I was trying to track down why the ranger had the disppearing 1qt of oil every 1000 miles today. I had decided to change the oil (only 25 miles till it needed it anyways). Now for some reason the truck doesn't want to start. I've check all the electrical connectors they're still plugged in and good. No moisture. Battery is new and fully charged. I have spark, and I have fuel (40psi) I sprayed some starting fluid in the intake and it still doesn't want to go. What luck just after I got a full tank. (Gas is from the shell station, never had a problem)

I took the oil level sensor out cause it was leaking, and added a little silcone to the seal to make sure it was leak free. I notice when I crank the engine over the check oil light comes on. Is there any kind of feature that prevents the truck from running if the light is on? I have oil pressure..

All ignition stuff is like new. I can definately smell the fuel when trying to start it. About the only thing I think could have happened, was when I had the coil wire off I forgot to plug it back in and then tried to start the truck, so the coil arched all around it's metal frame. Is it possible I shorted something out? Does anyone know what the little metal cylinder is attached to the coil (91 3.0L V6 Ranger )?? Does that little thing have anything to do with starting?

Not sure why it won't start. it did something similiar like a week ago when I let the clutch out too quick and it stalled in the road. Wouldn't start, so I pushed it back in the driveway and it somehow started back up in a mere second. That collosion switch is fine. I've been messing with it for hours and have ran out of ideas. Im not getting any codes either.

 

I would initially suspect the TFI module or something else related to the primary ignition system.

See: http://www.asashop.org/autoinc/dec2002/techtotech.cfm

 

Have you tried starting it with your foot holding the gas pedal all the way down?

 

A FUBAR MAF sensor can tell the PCM "you have no air!" and prevent the truck from starting. Try to check the MAF output.

CMOS

 

I've tried starting it with no Maf senosr (to run in speed density mode) and no avail. Foot has been to the floor many times. I guess I'll start checking the wiring harness today.

 

The little metal cylinder should be the noise suppression capacitor...it keeps the high energy electrical pulses from interfering with your radio, among other things. Based on experience with a Ranger I used to own that had the distributer-type ignition, I would definitely suspect the TFI module. I even used to carry a spare in the glovebox.

 

I thought he said he had spark?? If the TFI had failed would it not have had spark?

 

IM just going to go and check the TFI module and coil today. Yes I have spark and fuel pressure, but something isn't being start friendly here.

okay thanks on the little metal clyinder dohickie. I guess I'll just start checking the harness. the PCM is brand spanking new and hasn't been exposed to water like the last one. I guess time to start checking wires.

 

Hopefully its not a snapped timing chain or anything like that. But if your getting spark then the cam is spinning. Unless your intake manifold is leaking causing your spark plugs to foul in oil/antifreeze. Have you pulled any of your spark plugs out and inspected them at all?

 

yeah I've pulled 4 of them, and non are fouled. Doesn't leak antifreeze.etc. Timing chain is brand new. I replaced it as a original cause of no start when I bought it from my friend cause he was assured that was the problem (my mistake for assuming but it does have a new TC on it now)

Truck runs now Coil checked okay. TFI module (on my truck located next to radiator) only passed 5 of 6 tests. Gave me a new one (I replaced it awhile ago LLT!! FTW) Put everything back together and it fires right up. Thanks guys.