2.9 starting issue

[mtipton]

I’ve got a 92 ranger and it’s been a bit of a mild restoration project. I’m having an issue on startup where it will start but almost immediately die. But if I go and start it again it will stay running.

I have replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter and fuel lines from tank to engine.

Also replaced spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor and ignition coil.

I’m going to be checking the fuel pressure soon and hopefully that will tell me more. But anyone have any ideas?

thanks

 

[RonD]

Yes, reads like fuel pressure issue, well loss of pressure over time when key is off

Try cycling the key on and off 3 times, and then start engine, see if it stays running
If it works it usually means pressure is bleeding off when engine is off


Other possibility is the Choke
Gasoline engines need to be choked on cold start or they will stall, in colder temps
With fuel injection the computer runs the Choke
On the engine is the ECT(engine coolant temp) sensor, its a 5volt 2 wire sensor only used by the computer
(Dash board temp gauge uses a 12volt 1 wire temp sender)

With key on computer boots up and "looks" at ECT temp, if it "sees" 40degF then it looks in the Factory "table" and sets Choke for 40degF startup
Choke means Richer Fuel Mix and higher idle

If ECT is showing 80degF(and its 40degF outside) with key on then not enough choke so stalling
But initial startup got ECT working better so restart works
Unplug ECT and look at connections to see if its clean and dry, reconnect, this cleans terminals as well
See if that helps

 

[mtipton]

So I believe fuel pressure is now confirmed the problem. Cycled the key to let the pump run a few times and it didn’t die and stayed running.

Paying more attention to it now, it sounds like it has a small miss. Also faint sound of popping.

The truck sat for years without running and I’m thinking the injectors may have clogged up with old fuel. That or maybe the seals dried up?

Is it unrealistic to think the injector or injectors may be the problem?

 

[JerrySab]

disclaimer, still a noob. Salt and pepper this advice to your liking.

I had a similar issue that was solved when I replaced the fuel presssure regulator. In particular, The truck had a very difficult time starting when warm. Priming would help, but not reliably. I believe, if you pull the vacuum line attached to FPR and see fuel, you know it’s toast. If you don’t see fuel it still may be functioning poorly, but it’s an easy place to start.

 

[mtipton]

Could very well be the fpr. I’ll definitely be taking a look at it. Anyone have any experience with injectors from rock auto or the reman ones from eBay?

 

[JerrySab]

I did remans from eBay and they worked out great. Had a really difficult time getting a new injector that shot fuel from a single pintle; all the new ones have multiple and produce a different spray pattern, which was not compatible with 2.9 v6. I did eBay as last resort, and should have done it first.

 

[mtipton]

Do you happen to know which seller you bought from?

 

[JerrySab]

Yep! Name of seller is Fuel-Injectors. Very clever. Links below.

https://www.ebay.com/usr/fuel-injectors?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

https://www.ebay.com/itm/201342723624

 

[mtipton]

Just a follow up. Problem has been resolved. No more losing pressure overnight. I changed out all injectors and the fpr. Did them both at the same time so I can’t verify which part was actually to blame.

 

[RonD]

If your MPG wasn't under 10MPG then it was the FPR

 

[mtipton]

Couldn’t tell ya. This thing hasn’t moved more than 200ft under its own power in 5 years lol

 

[JerrySab]

That’s great! How is it running now?