1985 Ranger 2.3 FI black smoke upon startup when warm

[OldRangerXL]

Hi, I have an 85 Ranger 2.3 FI that starts right up when cold, or if you start it up when it's warm, right after you shut it off. If you let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes when warm, it takes a few cranks to get it started, and when it does black smoke comes out the tailpipe like it's running rich. I'm thinking a fuel pressure regulator? Once it's running it runs just fine. This only has 50k on it and the engine has never been touched except for normal maintenance. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[E4Ranger]

The black smoke is probably the unused fuel burning off after trying to crank it a few times...sounds like you are not getting spark properly. The coil may be breaking down...try replacing it...its cheap.