1987 Ford Ranger 4x4 engine not running

[Supercrewzer76]

I just brought my 87 ranger home yesterday. Now I am tring to find out why it will not run. It is a 1987 Ford Ranger with a 2.9L and a 5spd manual transmission. It will turn over and is getting fuel but it will not start. I put my spark tester and the coil shows 1 spark right when you being cranking and then nothing. I was thinking it may be the ignition module but I had it tested and it was good. It had been replaced before I brought it home. Next I replaced the coil with another one I know is good and still nothing. Any ideas I need this on the road to make Mother happy. Some people just don't appreciate a good deal

 

[btank]

im having the same exact problem i cant figure it out either, i asked these guys and they said to try to replace the pickup in the distributor but i think you have to remove the distributor to replace the pickup.

 

[IMenriched]

check the nuetral safety switch....try starting it in gear &clutch depressed......then try starting it with in nuetral....see if there is a difference.

other than that make sure all your ground wires are all good. and main battery cables.

Have the battery load tested....make sure it can sustain 12v

 

[2slow]

Check the relays on the passenger side of the engine bay. (between the air box and the fender). I had one fail Sunday while I was driving. Replaced it for around $12 and she fired right back up. Let me know if you need a part number, I think the box is still in the garage. I can get it for you in the morning if you need it.
Another thing I found to check while reading on here is the inertia switch. It is located in the passenger side of the cab where your left foot would be. I believe there is a way to bypass this switch for testing by placing a jumper wire in the connector if you suspect it bad.
If it's not these and everything else you've checked, it's probably wiring and hopefully not the computer.
Good luck

 

[Nailzs]

if he has fuel its not the inertia switch, and likely not the relays
start lookin at the ignition system, thats where the problem is

 

[btank]

i changed my pick up coil last night and it runs like a champ, try changing that. I agree with Nailzs, if he has no spark its not the inertia switch.

 

[Supercrewzer76]

Well it runs. Not great but its a start for a $275 4x4 truck. It was the pickup coil. I am going to time the engine Sat morning. Then I need to clean the wiring up. Make sure all vaccum leaks are plugged. And then if I am feeling brave maybe take it out for a cruise. I also need to pressure wash it inside and out I just hope the rust and grease isn't holding it together. I was thinking of re-selling it but I kind of like the little runt

 

[IMenriched]

Well it runs. Not great but its a start for a $275 4x4 truck. It was the pickup coil. I am going to time the engine Sat morning. Then I need to clean the wiring up. Make sure all vaccum leaks are plugged. And then if I am feeling brave maybe take it out for a cruise. I also need to pressure wash it inside and out I just hope the rust and grease isn't holding it together. I was thinking of re-selling it but I kind of like the little runt

Yeap...they grow on ya.

glad to hear it is runnig better anyway

 

[Mountanman83]

well i have an 87 ranger 4x4 that im parting out if you need anything let me know