I have a 1997 ford ranger 5 speed Manuel 2.3 that was on way to work and just lost power. Have changed out fuel tank, crankshaft position sensor and iginition switch and nothing. Just cranks but no start. Thinking alternator but battery is good. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

 

Check the compression
Your timing belt has broken teeth?

 

It's not an alternator. The alternator supplies all the electrons to the vehicle. The alternator does not work until the engine is started.

If the engine is cranking, then you got to find the fork in the road. Is it gas? Spark? Is the engine any good?

You got a simple problem but you are over thinking things.

 

So yes you are right was not the alternator and feel like it is something very simple as well and trying to avoid a shop where going to cost way more when something could have done myself. Someone suggested the clutch safety sensor. Was thinking of tackling that next. Have had some many different ways people saying doing the spark and fuel test. Any advice on which way is best? Did get a spark on the passenger side middle spark plug. Some have said that mean got spark some say has to be on a certain plug I am at a lost and starting to create quite a stir in the household right now. Thanks for any more advice and help.

 

The clutch switch will make it not crank over if faulty
If yours cranks but does not start, it is not the clutch switch
Test the compression
Test the spark
Test the fuel pressure
They call those the big 3
It takes the big 3 to make one start