2.3 ranger will not stay running

[Shumatesoldier6]

I have a 90 ranger 2x4 5 speed trans that will run but dies once you press tge gas pedal. I replaced the fuel pump, tps, air temp sensor , filler neck ,ignition control module and the timing belt and tensioner . i did the timing to the best of my ability and ran decent but when you touch the pedal it dies. I am stumped and don't know what to do ? Please help

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

So it starts OK cold
Runs at high idle, 1,100rpms, until it warms up, and then idle drops under 1,000rpms

But if you give it more AIR(gas pedal is an air pedal with fuel injection), it will stall out

Reads like you have a vacuum leak, too much air coming in so adding more causes it to stall

Warmed up 2.3l with manual trans should idle at about 750rpm, does it?

Once its warmed up and idling, unplug the IAC Valves 2 wire connector
RPMs should drop to 500 or engine may even stall, either is good, no vacuum leak
If idle doesn't drop then there is a leak

 

[Shumatesoldier6]

2.3 help

No it will not idle at all now. The rpms are so low that the gauge isn't working either.

 

[RonD]

I would do two things
50/50 test
Key off
Open throttle manually and spray fuel, Quick start(ether) or gasoline, into the intake
Try to start engine, push gas pedal down a bit for start up

If it starts then you have a fuel delivery problem
If it doesn't start, or still barely starts then you have a spark or compression problem
50/50

If the later happens then you will need to do a compression test to see if timing belt was timed correctly.
Pull out the easiest spark plug to get at and test
2.3l should have 160PSI compression
If its 120psi or less then valve timing is wrong

Just FYI, in 1990 only the exhaust side spark plugs work on startup, intake side start working at 400rpm or so.

So make sure exhaust side coil pack has correct firing order

 

[Shumatesoldier6]

2.3 wont stay running

I just dont understand why its doing this now it never did this before. It was hard to set the timing i didnt have no triangles or diamonds to go off of.

 

[Dirtman]

I just dont understand why its doing this now it never did this before. It was hard to set the timing i didnt have no triangles or diamonds to go off of.

So you admit to having no idea if the timimg is set... I suggest checking the alternator.

 

[Shumatesoldier6]

2.3 help

I got the timing as close as i could all the pulleys were in the right position. I took the number 1 plug out and on a compression stroke at tdc.

 

[RonD]

Just check compression that will tell you instantly if valve timing is correct


You seem to just want to guess at what's wrong, which is fine, and we will guess as well, but doing some tests can help narrow down the field of guess's

 

[Shumatesoldier6]

I tried the compression test and got 80 psi but the battery was almost dead is why it was so low .

 

[Dirtman]

That's very helpful.

 

[RonD]

You will need to recharge the battery and retest, but an engine can not start with only 80psi compression.

Compression of 120psi is marginal for starting cold engine, 140psi is about the lowest you can get away with

Compression is used to HEAT UP the gasoline to vaporize it
Gasoline can NOT be ignited by a spark, only gasoline vapor can
A cylinder needs about 30% vapor to be ignited by a spark
Under 120psi there is just not enough heat to get enough vapor for cold start, once a cylinder it running, heated up, it can continue to run with lower compression, but for cold start it needs the higher compression

If Timing belt is off by a tooth or two then compression will be low

 

[Shumatesoldier6]

when I was doing the compression test I had the number 1 plug in the plug wire touching metal and it was barley sparking.

 

[RonD]

That will happen with a low battery

Remember the starter motor uses LOTS of AMPS, 60-75amps

So battery voltage of 12.5volts(recharged battery) will drop to 10volts while starter motor is active, that is normal

So there will be a weaker spark when cranking even with new battery

If battery is drained already then spark will show as very very weak while starter motor is active

 

[Shumatesoldier6]

2.3 will not stay running

Thanks for all the help, tomorrow I am going to redo the timing and then I will retest the compression. we will see what happens hopefully that helps a lot. I have everyone telling me all different things

 

[Shumatesoldier6]

I recharged the battery and i got 150 psi for compression. Then i noticed that the crank sensor looked ate up. So i have a feeling that was an issue to begin with.