2.3L ('83-'97) Doesn’t Start

[Mike Ed]

Hi, I have a 1994 Ford Ranger 2.3 liter. I replaced the manual transmission in it and started it to make sure it would. It fired right up, no problem. I then replaced the clutch master cylinder and tried to start it, and it won’t. The engine turns over, but it doesn’t start. I even tried starter fluid. Could it be related to the master cylinder install? I checked all the wires in the area and they are hooked up except for two, which I believe are for diagnostics. If not related to the install, where do I start?

 

[tomw]

Odds are that you nudged something that came a bit too loose and is no longer connected. You should have 12v at the coils when the key is turned to ON. The computer will supply and remove ground as desired to make the coils fire. The voltage should be verifiable on the leads.
I first thought of the clutch starter safety switch, requiring the clutch pedal to be depressed to the floor for cranking, but you stated it cranks.
The first question is do you lack fuel or spark, and squirting fuel into the intake and cranking will give you a quick result. No firing when fuel is present indicates lack of spark. Go from there.
tom