Help! Won’t Even “Bump Start”

[RoyalAudio]

97 Ranger 4.0 (Manual Transmission)

Previously i had a bad bendix wear down the teeth on the flywheel, replaced the starter but have been having to “Bump Start” it the last couple months. Ive been able to push it myself and start it with it just barely rolling with no problems. Now it won’t bump start or nothin. I’ve had 3 guys help get it rolling and when i pop the clutch it seems like it wants to start. The oil pressure gauge goes up for a second but refuses to start. CKP Sensor had oil all over it so i cleaned it up but still nothing. The fuel pump is priming and I’m getting adequate pressure at the fuel rails. if anyone has some insight it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[RonD]

Not to be insulting but do you know, for sure, that there is gas in the tank, rock the truck and listen for it
Have to ask on no starts

Watch the CEL(check engine light)
With key on the CEL will come on, that means computer is powered up
As soon as the engine spins, bump start or starter motor, the CEL should go OFF, that means the computer is getting a good timing signal from the Crank sensor(CKP)
If CEL stays on then no timing signal so no start

You can do the 50/50 test
Spray fuel into the intake, gasoline, ether, carb cleaner, ???, ect
Try to start engine
If it starts but dies soon after then no fuel from injectors
If it doesn't start then no spark
50/50 no guessing

You can "know" that there is fuel
You can "know" that there is spark
But without 50/50 test you really don't know, lol

 

[RoyalAudio]

Yeah hate to say it but I’ve learned the hard way on the fuel tank. But no it’s got gas and when i turn the key on i can hear the fuel pump and get fuel out of the schrader valve. Wouldn’t that prove I’m getting fuel?

And my CEL bulb is burnt out but couldn’t i check for spark at coil pack and that should tell me wether or not the CKP Sensor is good right?

 

[RonD]

Just do the 50/50 test, its way easy

No, having fuel at the schrader valve doesn't mean the injectors are opening, so doesn't mean engine is getting fuel
And testing for spark doesn't mean its at the right time, or at the spark plug

50/50 test was first used in 1890's and the first gasoline engines
Still the only test worth its salt, IMO

Bummer about the CEL, one of the more important lights on the dash, battery light could be first, but CEL is a close second, lol

You can get a Bluetooth OBD2 reader for under $20
Could tell you why the no start
Works on ANY 1996 and up vehicle sold in US or Canada, not a Ford thing, so worthwhile investment

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Your problem might be more than just the starter, so I would start with a new starter. After that a lil starting fluid in the intake test. If she don't fire or at least fart. You got either no spark or no compression.

If you were able to turn it over so easy, you might have low compression. Once you have a starter to turn the engine with, do a compression test.

Lastly, is your battery fresh and alternator good? Cheers.