1986 Ranger problem
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1986 Ranger problem
This is my first time doing this so if its wrong let me know. I just bought a 1986 ranger 4x4 w/a 2.9l v6. It has been hard to keep it running but I could eventually get it going and once I would get it on the road it would be fine until I stopped then it would want to die. Well it finally died and won't start back up. I can here the fuel pump kick on when I turn the key but I know there are 2 fuel pumps so can 1 be bad and if so how to tell which one. I checked for fuel pressure up on the engine and there is pressure but it doesn't seem like very much. When you release the pressure by pushing that thing in the gas will shoot out about 4 or 5 inches in the air then thats it the pressure is out. Is it even a fuel problem? It wants to start it just won't kick over all the way. I replaced the fuel filter on the frame it was the cartridge type.
Last edited by kelly8135; Sep 1, 2007 at 08:53 AM. Reason: adding info
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 39
From: suburban atlanta
You can check the codes with an analog vom. (volt ohm meter) The procedure is detailed in the shop manual, and probably on this site. If this truck sat for years, you could have a plugged up pickup sock filter inside the gas tank. You could also have injectors that need to be cleaned.
Get a fuel pressure gauge and check the key on pressure. Turn the key to off, and watch the gauge to see if the pressure drops quickly. If it does, there are 3 things that can cause that. Check valve in the sender/pump assembly. Regulator return valve. Injectors dumping into the intake. If it smokes black smoke on startup it points to the injectors.
You can check the volume of fuel delivered with the gauge using the pressure relief valve tube and a suitable container. If it will deliver a pint in a minute, you should not worry about fuel delivery. (that would be a gallon in 8 minutes, you do the math...) I would also be looking at all vacuum lines, and checking that the EGR has not gotten stuck, or gummed up so that it doesn't close when you get to idle rpm.
let us know what you find...
tom
Get a fuel pressure gauge and check the key on pressure. Turn the key to off, and watch the gauge to see if the pressure drops quickly. If it does, there are 3 things that can cause that. Check valve in the sender/pump assembly. Regulator return valve. Injectors dumping into the intake. If it smokes black smoke on startup it points to the injectors.
You can check the volume of fuel delivered with the gauge using the pressure relief valve tube and a suitable container. If it will deliver a pint in a minute, you should not worry about fuel delivery. (that would be a gallon in 8 minutes, you do the math...) I would also be looking at all vacuum lines, and checking that the EGR has not gotten stuck, or gummed up so that it doesn't close when you get to idle rpm.
let us know what you find...
tom
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
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From: Rhode Island
On the rear drivers side of the intake manifold, mounted to the fuel pressure rail is the fuel pressure regulator, there will be a little tube going from the rear upto the intake manifold, its a vacuum line, pull it off from the manifold fitting, and have a cycle the ignition to check if any fuel leaks out of it. If some fuel does, you will need a new pressure regulator. If that checks out good, I would check your spark next.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
It does sound like a fuel pressure problem.
I'm pretty sure an 86 has 2 fuel filters. One towards the rear of the truck (cartridge type)& one under the drivers seat on the frame rail.
Did you replace both?
I'm pretty sure an 86 has 2 fuel filters. One towards the rear of the truck (cartridge type)& one under the drivers seat on the frame rail.
Did you replace both?
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Well I forgot I put this on here so I will update you. I got the truck running but it still runs rough. The reason it would not start is because the main plug under the steering column was broken and it would not stay plugged in so I zip tied it and now it is fine but here is what it does now. When it sits over night or while I am at work and I go to start it it will fire right up but the rpm jumps up to about 2100 for about 2 seconds as soon as it starts then falls down and surges between 500 and 1000 and if I dont give it gas it will die. Now after it warms up for about 5 minutes the idle stays around 800 rpm but still has a little miss in it. I replaced the idle control valve that didn't do anything. So is it temperature related cause runs rough when engine is cold but runs better after it warms up. I have checked for vaccum leaks and can't seem to find one unless I am missing some lines somewhere
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
Check all your spark wires and spark plugs. Actually try cleaning all the plugs with some gasoline or a small wire brush, so you get some bare metal exposed, run the motor for a bit, then take em out. If one of them has less build up the others, then its a good chance thats the cylinder playing with you. If the engine was sitting for a while, its possible you may have a stuck ring to.
Also try checking error codes. You can do it by how it is described here
http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=13
Also try checking error codes. You can do it by how it is described here
http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=13
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