1985 Ranger won't crank.

[bbbc3]

Ok, I tried to search the forum for a solution and didn't see anything that would help.

I just bought an '85 Ranger 4x4 from a guy and it wasn't running. He said it needed spark plugs... whatever.. It turns over but doesn't fire.
So I took it to my local shop and so far they have checked the ignition coil, installed a new ignition module, and put in a new distributor cap.. <that was the last thing they were doing and I didn't hear back from them which means that didn't work either. What else could it be?

 

[drsvox]

maybe it's not electrical...is the carburetor getting fuel? could be a clogged filter, or fuel line, or possibly a busted fuel pump...or maybe the carb itself has issues.

just a thought to explore all options...

 

[AndyB.]

Stator

 

[drgrcr]

Needs fuel, air and spark to run.

Give a shot of starting fluid to see if will try to run, if it does it has a fuel problem.

If it doesn't try to run after a shot of starting fluid, then check for spark.
Easiest way to check for spark, pull coil wire from the dist. cap hold it about a 1/4" from a fairly clean spot on the engine block, or have a friend hold it.... with a good sense of humor just in case the wire leaks, and crank it. Look for a nice fat blue spark. If it still has the TFI dist, prepare for a journey of diagnostic work, or not and throw a module on it...

 

[kimcrwbr1]

If it wont crank maybe the battery is dead?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Time for a new shop.

 

[komoto123]

Check your compression

 

[kimcrwbr1]

When you get to the shop make sure they show you the parts they replaced before you pay for those parts. Not many younger mechanics even know how a carb works being a 4X4 I am assuming it has the 2.8l feedback carb but for giggles what engine do you have? It makes a big difference as to troubleshooting and what your options are?

 

[bbbc3]

Thank you all for your feedback. Got word from the shop that it is now running. It turns out it WAS the ignition module and the distributor was out of wack. It seems that the fellow that I bought it from didn't realize the reason it wasn't running was the ignition module and got his friend to help him rebuild the distributor and when re-installing it, he beat it back into place. I had it replaced and timing set. It is now purring like a kitten.