1988 2.9l Trouble Starting and staying running

[Justtats92]

I have a 88 ranger 2.9l 4x4. I fixed this truck up back in March and have been driving it on weekends out to woods since. Last time I went out(couple weekends ago)we were a few miles in already and the truck started stuttering than died. It would not crank back up so I got it towed home. I have changed plugs changed the idle control sensor, took upper intake manifold off cleaned it out good and re assembled. Not every time but most time it won't start with out carb cleaner than have to play with throttle to keep it running. Sounds of alot of air sucking and it almost dies than revs up. Just recently got it to idle by changing idle control sensor ( somewhat idle) and now as soon as you hit the throttle it dies out..buddy said check plugs to make sure your getting gas to all cylinders and I am but it looks dark( like it's running very rich) and all 6 plugs are getting spark, and I have fuel pressure on fuel rail.
ANY ideas what my problem could be?

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Check the Fuel Pressure Regulator(FPR), looks like a small "can" and has the Return fuel line attached AND a vacuum hose
Check the vacuum hose for gasoline, if found replace FPR
If FPR leaks extra fuel is sucked in and stalls out engine

If it fires up by adding fuel manually, carb cleaner, then I think TFI(spark) system is OK

1988 has 2 fuel pumps, one might have been failing and is now done for
Need a fuel pressure gauge to see what fuel pressure is at the engine, there is a test port, 30-40psi is expected

 

[Justtats92]

Awesome will check it out and get back to the thread..thx

 

[Justtats92]

Bought a pressure tester

 

[RonD]

Cool...........and...................whats it show?

Hoping 3psi is not it, lol

 

[Justtats92]

That's what it went to after let fuel pump run and attempting to turn over..let off ingintion to let pump continue to run and came around front to take a picture

 

[RonD]

Pump only runs for 2 seconds each time key is turned from off to on, doesn't run when trying to start

Locate your OBD1 connector in engine bay, should be on passenger side on the main wiring harness that runs into the firewall and to computer on passenger side of cab
It will just be a loose connector, may have a cap with EEC on it

Look here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OBD_I.shtml

2nd drawing is what it looks like, on that drawing the Fuel Pump slot is labelled
Get a jumper wire and hook one end to negative battery terminal or a good ground
Turn on the key
Put the jumper wire's other end in the Fuel Pump slot
You should hear the Fuel Pump Relay "click" and then the fuel pump should come on full time
See what pressure shows on the gauge

30-40psi is expected if BOTH pumps are working

 

[Justtats92]

I canHear a click but the psi doesn't change..I can hear the pump running

 

[Justtats92]

Could the relay be bad?

 

[RonD]

You will need to get under the truck on drivers side, under drivers seat area, to look at the High Pressure pump in the frame rail

Have the key on and jumper in place so you can hear the pump running
Touch the high pressure pump to see if its on, should be vibrating

If could be dead and you are hearing the in tank low pressure pump only


EDIT:
No, relay is OK if you can hear a pump running

 

[Justtats92]

No its vibrating and i can feel pressure through the hoses around it

 

[RonD]

Fuel filter clogged up?

FPR stuck open, you can use a pair of pliers to CAREFULLY squeeze closed the Return fuel line, to see if pressure goes up, can go up to 80psi
If so FPR is stuck open, replace it

Also if fuel pressure gauge is new, test it on a tire, same schrader valve on any tire, should show 30psi or what ever your tires are at

 

[Justtats92]

Squeezed return line and it did not build pressure

 

[RonD]

Then filter is clogged/blocked

Remove filter and put s container under pump outlet to see what kind of flow you have out of the pumps while they are running

We are "assuming" there is gas in the tank, lol, have to mention it

 

[Justtats92]

Yes it's over half a tank lol..its raining now..when it stops I'll do that with the lines