Intermittent starting

[Mwlock]

95 Ranger. 4.o liter. 6 cyl. Auto. 4x4. Starts sometimes. Tried the common issues. Ground. Power. Fuel pump. Inertia switch.
Any other thoughts?

 

[RonD]

"Starting"covers some ground

Does starter motor not turn engine over?
"No crank"

Does starter work but engine won't fire/start up?
"Crank but no start"

Once started has it ever quit running?

Does it only not "start" warm?
Or does it not "start" cold as well?

 

[Mwlock]

"Starting"covers some ground

Does starter motor not turn engine over?
"No crank"

Does starter work but engine won't fire/start up?
"Crank but no start"

Once started has it ever quit running?

Does it only not "start" warm?
Or does it not "start" cold as well?

I can crank the engine and get no spark. Just drain the battery with too many attempts. Not affected by weather/temp that I can tell. It has run for two days without issue then won't start the next day.
Thought it was fuel pump but that cycles just fine.
Replaced fuel filter.

Did not consider starter issue. Would it crank but not start in ground was loose or off the starter?

 

[RonD]

No, if starter motor is working that wouldn't effect engine systems

You will need to do the 50/50 test, best thing to do so you aren't guessing spark or fuel and replacing parts that are OK

Get a can of Quick Start(ether) and carry it in the truck
Also a pair of pliers and screwdriver
When you have a crank but no start, pull off the larger vacuum hose from the Power Brake booster usually just a hose clamp
Spray fuel(ether) into the hose and you can leave hose off for the test
Crank engine
If it starts and then dies your have a fuel delivery issue
If it doesn't start then you have a spark issue
50/50 instant results

Fuel delivery can be fuel pump or computer(not opening injectors)
No Spark can be Crank sensor or computer

Also when cranking engine over WATCH the CEL(check engine light), it should come on with key on, that means computer has booted up, if no CEL then computer is OFF
When engine is cranking(turning) CEL should go off, that means computer is seeing the engine turning and will start spark and then injectors

 

[Mwlock]

Thanks!
I will give it a shot.