Wont start 2.9 V6

[PetroleumJunkie412]

With spout disconnected, yes.

Pull spout, have someone crank while timing light is on plug wire 1. Aarow should be at 10 mark.

The marks are a little deceiving btw.

 

[Dallin99]

Ok so I timed it again how you said with a brand new distributor this time still no start. I opened the shrader valve on the fuel rail and it had fuel. Still no bang on starting fluid any more idead?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

@RonD Halp!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Ok so I timed it again how you said with a brand new distributor this time still no start. I opened the shrader valve on the fuel rail and it had fuel. Still no bang on starting fluid any more idead?

Pull a spark plug and verify its sparking.

If its not popping on starting fluid chances are its not sparking.

If it is sparking....check compression. The fact it was hard to start cold now it wont run makes me think it maybe a timing chain issue OR just flat worn out.

How many miles are on it?

 

[ford4wd08]

Don't forget the ignition switch.

I had an issue where my ignition circuit was only being completed in the "start" position. When you went back to "run," it would open the circuit and it wouldn't run.

Read through this thread. I know it's an 2.8 vs 2.9 but I believe the ignition circuit is very similar.

Can't Get '85 2.8 to run

Im having trouble getting the 2.8 in my B2 running. It seems like it wants to start, but just won't do it. I have cleaned and rebuilt the carb. I was a little off on float adjustment, but believe i have since fixed it. I know the fuel pump is working. It fills the carb bowl up. So this leads...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[RonD]

Does your 1986 2.9l have a CEL(check engine light)?

If so it will come on with the key ON
And..............if computer is getting a Spark Pulse(PIP), CEL will go OFF when cranking the engine over

If you have a tachometer it should also move up when cranking from the same PIP

If spark is working but out of time CEL will still go OFF and Tach will still go UP, engine just wouldn't start

1986 spark is self contained in the distributor/TFI module and Coil, computer is not involved until AFTER engine starts
You can test if coil is getting 12volts with Key ON

You can test spark wire on coil for spark when cranking, versus spark plug wires, this eliminates Rotor and cap issues
Then test a spark plug wire, if coil had spark

TFI modules were a known issue, new or old, it is what it is
Testing seen here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.shtml

The Hall effect sensor inside the distributor was more reliable but..............can fail as well, this sensor IS the PIP, it starts the ball rolling for spark


And although RARE................is the distributor turning when you crank the engine over?
Pop the cap look at where rotor is and crank the engine, then check rotor position again, it should, of course, move
The distributor gear can come loose, so distributor shaft no longer spins when engine cranks, so no PIP and no spark
And just FYI, if this happen OIL PUMP is also not working!!! so you DO NOT want a startup


SPOUT, SPark OUT, is used after start up, its the computers control of spark advance, similar to vacuum advance
Its not involved with start up, but engine can stall out AFTER startup if advance is too much
There is a SPOUT connector that needs to be pulled out to disable SPOUT when setting base spark timing, you set base spark timing with engine running, so same as vacuum advance, SPOUT needs to be disabled to do this
After engine is running and WARMED UP, you pull the SPOUT connector out and use a timing light to set base spark timing at 10-12deg BEFORE top dead center(TDC)
Then tighten up distributor and re-install SPOUT connector