1989 2.3l issue

[mattr87]

I have a 1989 ranger 2.3 5speed 2wd, the problem I'm having is when I go to start it, it takes forever to fire and when it does it runs terrible (backfires alot dumps black smoke) but if i keep reving it up eventually runs perfect, but now it seems to just be getting worse, sometimes while i crank it over it's like the timing is to far advanced, I checked the timing marks and there good, replaced the fuel filter and put different dis module, coil packs and fuel pressure reg. I was thinking maybe crank sensor?

 

[chilsam]

Fuel pressure reg

pull the vacuum line off the reg and if fuel comes out the diaphragm is shot.

 

[mattr87]

I would check that if I could but It wont start now, has spark and after cranking for awhile the plugs were dry i haven't checked the fuel pressure with a gauge yet but i just pushed in the schrader valve and fuel came out but it seemed weak

 

[chilsam]

Ether

Will it fire with ether and no throttle