1998 - 3.0 > Won't Run. Help please.

[brokebutliving]

Hi gang. This is my first post. I have a '98 Ranger, 3.0. It's old, it's been wrecked but it's my work truck and primary mode of transport.

It has always run great, but all of a sudden it wouldn't start. I started diagnosing the issue, and figured it was the fuel pump. Before I took the bed off to access the tank, I decided to unhook the fuel line after the filter, and turn the key over. The fuel pump kicks in and puts out a decent flow of fuel. When you try to crank it over it pumps, but when you let go of the starter/starting mode and back to ignition the pump shuts off. Not sure if this is normal or not.

Anyway. I worked my way thru what I know. Checked relays, fuses, and that little switch with the ball bearing (I forget what it's called), and also the idling solenoid (which I replaced thinking that was it).

Can you guys lend me hand? Would be much appreciated.

 

[Rearanger]

Hi gang.
It has always run great, but all of a sudden...

Don't you hate it when it does that?

When you try to crank it over it pumps, but when you let go of the starter/starting mode and back to ignition the pump shuts off. Not sure if this is normal or not.

My Haynes says it should run when on ignition. Either way if it's producing pressure on start position the engine should start but stall when pressure falls if pump stops running.

...and that little switch with the ball bearing (I forget what it's called)

Inertia switch.

I would first check to see if you're getting spark when cranking the engine over, just to eliminate that. Is there a Schrader tap in on the fuel line to check pressure, as you need both flow and pressure.