No start issue on new 86 Ranger

bossbob · Aug 16, 2017

So, I just bought this truck, it ran great on the way home about a 30 minute drive. Got the registration taken care off, took it down to fill it up and on the way back she quit on me. It had actually stalled out a couple times on the way to the gas station, both at idle and under power. Finally she quit and still won't restart. I hear the fuel pump running, but I feel it is a fuel problem delivery problem. Or, I guess it could be electrical as well..........

Where do I start? What would you check first.

Almost forgot, 86 Ranger, 2.9 V6, 5spd. Fuel pump is wired to a switch inside the truck to manually turn on and off.

Thanks again.

RonD · Aug 16, 2017

Do 50/50 test
Spray gasoline or starting fluid into the intake and try to start engine

If it fires up and dies then yes, fuel delivery is the problem
If it doesn't fire up then spark is the problem.
50/50 quick and easy

The switch for the fuel pump is a bit worry some, in an accident you could end up in a fire being feed by fuel pump still running

bossbob · Aug 17, 2017

Well, I tried to spray some starting fluid then run to the key and try to start it, I'm by my self, so I guess I'll try again when I have a helping hand. But no start so far. Guess I'll pull the plugs to see if there is any spark.

RonD · Aug 17, 2017

You don't have to run, any fuel in the intake will be sucked in and engine will fire IF there is spark.

Use volt meter and make sure coil has 12volts with key on
Also pop cap on distributor and make sure rotor is turning, i.e. look at where it is and then crank engine and go back and look that it has changed positions

Also check voltage at the TFI module wire connector, 12volt with key on
1986 may have separate START voltage, not uncommon in the mid-1980s and earlier, you can run a jumper wire from Battery + to Coil +, a Hot Wire

, and then try to start engine.
If it fires up then START circuit is the problem

TFI wiring here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.shtml

bossbob · Aug 20, 2017

I am getting 11.7, 11.8 volts off the coil with the key on. Distributor is turning fine. I am only gettng .3 on the main post.

RonD · Aug 20, 2017

Reads like your battery is pretty old.

New battery should be 12.8v +
3 year old battery 12.5v
5-6 year old 12.3v

At 12.2v battery needs to be replaced, cold weather and you will get the "click, click, click" no crank

Starter motor activation will draw down battery voltage 2 to 2.5volts, can get close to 3volts in cold weather
If Ignition/spark voltage get too far below 10volts while cranking the spark can get too weak to ignite cold gasoline, low vapor.

See what battery voltage is after battery sits for a few hours, "at rest" voltage, if under 12.3v then shop for a new battery

bossbob · Aug 20, 2017

Just bought the truck, so don't know how old the battery is. It's coming in at 12.4 - 12.5v
The engine turns over normal when I hit the key.

RonD · Aug 20, 2017

Above 12.2v is OK, but battery is about 4 years old

Then no start with fuel added manually to the intake will be Spark problem, either coil or TFI module/wiring

bossbob · Aug 21, 2017

So, replace them both? or do one then the other to isolate it.

bossbob · Aug 23, 2017

Put a new ICM in it, and it started right up.

Many thanks Ron

RonD · Aug 23, 2017

Good Work

ICM is ignition control module?
So TFI Module

No start issue on new 86 Ranger

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