2.3l engine swap

[85ranger302]

i have an 85 ranger xl with the 2.3l. my motor had over 240,000 miles on it and ended up needing a different motor so i got a hold of one that was the same, with the same options and everything. i got the motor in and ive gotten it to turn over, but it wont start. do i need all of the engine sensors plugged in for the motor to start, or am i dealing with a different problem. i put new plugs in it, its getting air fuel and spark, and i did a cold compression check and that turned out good too, i just cant figure out why it wont start. if anyone has any input it would be much appreciated

 

[4b316]

Did you check your timing marks?If you are getting good air,fuel and spark it should run.What was the compression?All cyls?If good,doesn't leave much besides timing belt.How do you know its getting spark?Same year motor?Intake ports line up?

 

[85ranger302]

as far as i know its getting spark but im gonna be checking the other three cylinders shortly. i swapped the engine as a whole, the only thing i left from my setup was the throttle body. as for compression, #1 around 175psi #2 around 125 #3 150 #4 around 184. same year motor same options. haven't checked timing yet, not sure if i have a timing light or not

 

[4b316]

Not to bad of compression,a little low on 2 but plenty for it to run.Not your ignition timing but the cam belt timing you need to check.Are you pulling a plug and grounding it against the bolt to test for spark?Check them all.Did it run in the other truck?

 

[Frank The Tank]

Not to bad of compression,a little low on 2 but plenty for it to run.Not your ignition timing but the cam belt timing you need to check.Are you pulling a plug and grounding it against the bolt to test for spark?Check them all.Did it run in the other truck?

HaHa, none of mine make over 125 compression..........
runs like a champ and doesn't burn oil (just don't park it on a hill/no e-brake)

Frank

 

[85ranger302]

i bought an inline spark tester for that, and as far as i know it ran in the other truck. im gonna be workin on it wed, so ill see if she'll start again

 

[85ranger302]

we got my ranger to start and run, the timing was all kinds of screwed up and the distributor gear was missing half a tooth