Start. Idle. Dead.

[DirtBronco]

Hey guys, I'm new to the BII crowd, although I've lurked for quite a bit on this forum over the years for advice on 4 bangers.

My '89 2.9 starts easily, cranks to 1,300 revs then idles at 800-900. After about 20 seconds, it completely dies.
If I apply the gas, the revs will drop to near 0. Letting off the gas quickly brings it back to life to the same 800-900.

It has been sitting for a while, but the fuel filter seems to have been replaced recently (its cleaner than the rest of the underside)
To my knowledge, it is the single fuel pump in the tank, which I can hear prime if I turn the key but don't crank it.

Any ideas? Where should I start?

 

[franklin2]

What does it do when you pull the SPOUT connnector? Pull it and then see how it acts.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Check fuel pressure at the rail, and check timing

 

[dirtymike]

How long has it sat. Fuel injectors are probably cloged from the rust from the fuel manifold. Dirty

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Also should check the IAC (idle air control) and the throttle position sensor.

IACs are known to stick or fail. It’s attached to the intake by two bolts. Try starting the motor and tap on it, if the rpms change with tapping on it, it’s sticking. You can try cleaning it with carb cleaner or replace it. Also try pulling the electric connector off of it and see what happens.

TPS should be checked with a voltmeter. I forget the exact procedure offhand.

While you’re under the hood, check the vacuum lines too. And the negative battery cable, including flexing it around. I had one that looked perfect but when I flexed it around, it sounded crunchy. Stripped some insulation off to find it was corroded end to end in the insulation. Replaced it with a piece of welding cable and used dielectric grease on the ends.

 

[DirtBronco]

Sorry for the late response. Long story short, I got it running but now thin white smoke is coming off the valve covers and radiator and the engine hesitated under 3k. No tapping tho.

Dropped the gas tank, it was absolutely coated with rust. New tank and fuel pump went in, first crank and it was revving freely. The sending unit pipes are pretty rusty and a little bent but I can’t source a new one at the moment.

 

[Nelson and Hudson]

Then DEFINITELY run a can or two of Sea Foam through there.