Possible overheating issue

[Jesselyle]

I have an 87 ranger xlt 2.9l 5 speed.
A few days back I was driving a long distance and my truck died. I just lost power. Battery was still working, radio was still on and I had working dash lights, motor just died. I waited on the side of the highway for about 45 minutes to an hour and Baby started right back up. It did it again about 30 miles later. And then again about 20 miles after that. Could I have an overheating issue? My gauge was reading about the m in normal. Doesnt go any higher than that then dies. Is my gauge bad? I'm planning on buying a new thermostat soon. But what could have caused it. Was running beautifully days before.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Kinda sounds like an ignition module is getting hot and shutting down.

Edit... when it quits... check for spark.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Gump is probably correct. Common issue with TFI Fords.

You'll need an ignition control module. Get a Motorcraft one. Most aftermarket ones have a 50/50 chance of being junk right out of the box.

To avoid the problem again in the future, relocate the tfi module.

Remote Mounted TFI Ignition Module - The Ranger Station

Fords produced from 1983 through 1995 experience problems with the engine dying or failing to start when hot. The engine will run again once it cools down but die when it gets hot. The problem is caused by the thick … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

How-to relocate the TFI module on older Ford EFI V8s

Having the engine on my ’91 Bronco suddenly die while rolling along the interstate at 70 mph with big rigs and cars all around is one of the most unnerving situ

www.fourwheeler.com

 

[wildbill23c]

I agree with the TFI module getting hot and failing. I've been thinking of making a remote setup for mine, someone has done so already and I think posted a thread about it on TRS somewhere I thought. Need to get it done before mine decides to die...and pickup a spare TFI...

FYI that TFI module is a PITA to get to, and requires a very very small nut driver to get it off the back of the distributor, or I guess you could always just remove the distributor to get to it really easy LOL.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I agree with the TFI module getting hot and failing. I've been thinking of making a remote setup for mine, someone has done so already and I think posted a thread about it on TRS somewhere I thought. Need to get it done before mine decides to die...and pickup a spare TFI...

FYI that TFI module is a PITA to get to, and requires a very very small nut driver to get it off the back of the distributor, or I guess you could always just remove the distributor to get to it really easy LOL.

I relocated mine. One.of the top three mods I've done. Can snap some pics.

 

[wildbill23c]

I relocated mine. One.of the top three mods I've done. Can snap some pics.

Pics would be great, need to do that to my 88 Bronco 2. Before I have issues.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Not a.great shoot, but didn't see this until I put the new power center in today...

Used a harness out of a escort or topaz, drilled out a old tfi module and made ir an adapter (added three wires).

EBay heat sink with a integrated cooling fan.

Zero ignition issues since.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Remote TFI install tips: https://therangerstation.com/tech_library/remote_tfi.shtml

TFI removal tools, depending on what type of fasteners you have:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/lisle-ford-ignition-module-wrench-lis64650/22982558-P

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/wmr-w1216

And a tester that might interest some of you: https://www.ebay.com/itm/THEXTON-FORD-TFI-IV-PART-No-128-IGNITION-SYSTEM-TESTER-/223555790274?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10

 

[Am88rangerxlt]

I have an 87 ranger xlt 2.9l 5 speed.
A few days back I was driving a long distance and my truck died. I just lost power. Battery was still working, radio was still on and I had working dash lights, motor just died. I waited on the side of the highway for about 45 minutes to an hour and Baby started right back up. It did it again about 30 miles later. And then again about 20 miles after that. Could I have an overheating issue? My gauge was reading about the m in normal. Doesnt go any higher than that then dies. Is my gauge bad? I'm planning on buying a new thermostat soon. But what could have caused it. Was running beautifully days before.

Hey so I was having this problem with my 88 Ford ranger and it might not be overheating So since I bought the truck it's been really good already changed all belts new plugs and wires ignition coil and everything seemed to be fine then I noticed that I could only drive for a certain distance before it would start to act up and die let set and cool and all is good so looking into that issue I found out about TFI module replaced it still had the same issues so replaced the map sensor still did it again so at this point I am starting to get a little bit frustrated so I figure that I changed everything else but the distributor cap and once I was able to get it off and the new one on I went for a test drive and to my surprise it was not doing what it would normally do but actually ran like a champ so if you are having similar issues this is what I did hopefully this helps out anyone who is going through the same problem