New to the ranger game

[swift700xx]

Hey everyone. I'm new to the ranger game and just bought a 97 2.3l 5 speed non step xlt. Currently having issues where it wont run. thanks in advance on any help and I hope to learn a lot here.

 

[SenorNoob]

Fuel
Air
Spark
Timing

Which one is missing?

 

[superj]

welcome!!

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

1997 2.3l SOHC Lima engine(used in Fords from 1974 thru 2000), good reliable engine
Uses a timing belt which needs to be replaced every 80k miles or so
Belt can break or slip when older but won't cause engine damage just low or no compression

1989 thru 2000 used dual spark plugs, both spark plugs fire at the same time, no alternating
Good test to do once a year is to unplug one coil packs 3 wire connector, then start engine
Steady misfire means one(or more) spark plugs or wires on the working coil pack are bad
Then reverse it and test other coil pack
The benefit of Dual spark plugs is more power, down side is you can't tell when one spark plug in a cylinder fails, lol

As for the no start or hard start
Do 50/50 test
Spray fuel into the engine manually, use gasoline, quick start(ether), carb cleaner, ect......
Try to start
If it starts, runs and dies you have a fuel delivery problem
If it doesn't fire then its a spark or compression problem
50/50 no waiting, lol

Watch the CEL(check engine light)
It should come on with key on, that means computer has booted up OK, no CEL = no start
It should go OFF as soon as starter motor is activated and engine starts to turn, this means computer is getting a good timing signal from crank sensor, no signal means no spark and no fuel

After startup the CEL can come back on if there are Trouble Codes in computer memory



And you have a M5OD-R1 manual transmission, aka M5R1, it uses Mercon V ATF, NOT gear oil

 

[swift700xx]

thank you all for the advice. found out the timing belt snapped and after a full day of lining marks up and even pulling the valve to check position and all that found out DONT FORGET TO PUT THE HARMONIC BALANCER ON when checking to see if timing is good. truck runs amazing now. only thing im waiting on is a clutch kit slave cylinder and the flywheel to come in and change it to get it on the road