2.3L ('83-'97) 2.3 Dual Spark won't run off tank

[Psilocinoid]

Hello all, I have a 2.3 Dualspark ranger that has me in a bit of a pickle. It runs when fed fuel through the intake but refuses to even hit on its own tank. I replaced the failed fuel pump after it sat for a period of at least 10 years and now it has fuel pressure to the rail as confirmed at the schrader valve. I did drain the old fuel out, but it doesn't look great coming out of the valve so I believe the system may be pretty varnished. What would cause it to run just fine when fed by hand but not even try off the tank?

 

[scotts90ranger]

Sitting that long the fuel in the injectors can plug up the injectors so the valves can't open. "Sometimes" you can get them unstuck by unplugging them and shorting 12V across them until you hear them clicking.

 

[Psilocinoid]

Sitting that long the fuel in the injectors can plug up the injectors so the valves can't open. "Sometimes" you can get them unstuck by unplugging them and shorting 12V across them until you hear them clicking.

After some further investigation there seems to be a pretty significant voltage drop between the battery and the injectors. Battery is outputting 12.5 volts with the injectors receiving just under 6. Does anything jump out that could be causing this? I'm thinking a bad connection somewhere along the line, which means chasing wiring.

 

[Psilocinoid]

Also, there's a pretty strong draw and a heavy "Click" when I connect the battery. Seems like I have a wiring mess to sort out.

 

[scotts90ranger]

How are you checking that? Key on with an injector unplugged checking both wires (only one is powered all the time) or back probing (I hate back probing, damages insulation and is inconsistent sometimes)? If you are checking voltage while cranking that is going to be odd since the injectors are big resistors...

It does sound like there might be something electrical going on, unless the key is on when you connect the battery there shouldn't be any loud click.

 

[Psilocinoid]

How are you checking that? Key on with an injector unplugged checking both wires (only one is powered all the time) or back probing (I hate back probing, damages insulation and is inconsistent sometimes)? If you are checking voltage while cranking that is going to be odd since the injectors are big resistors...

It does sound like there might be something electrical going on, unless the key is on when you connect the battery there shouldn't be any loud click.

I do believe I was back probing, though I've never heard that term. I was worried about breaking a connector to probe the actual pins. I will in the morning. Its with the key on not cranking. Yeah, it's any time the battery is connected there's a loud click on the firewall, I'll have to track it down tomorrow.