2.8L stalling

[patrick84]

My son has a 1984 Ranger with the 2.8L V6. Great engine, but it stalls and will not restart. Here's what we've done on this in the three months we've had the truck:

1) The fuel pump crapped out. We replaced it and the oil sender unit, as both were practically spewing oil when the truck was running. Leak problem 85% solved, had fuel for a couple of days, then it quit again...

2) Replaced the fuel pump again, under the parts warranty. New filter at the carb now, too. Ran great for a week. Quit, no restart. No gas to the carb at all. So...

3) Installed an inline electric pump along the frame rail, and left the replacement mechanical fuel pump in place. Installed a fuel filter inline and upstream from the new pump. Ran great, but had stalling issues off and on. Raised the curb idle up to 800 RPM, and the truck was running superbly!

4) Truck sputtered and quit completely last week. No restart. Battery started to go down, so we towed the truck home and let it sit on the charger for two days. Started right up. Went ahead and changed the oil and filter, as it needed it. Starts on the first pull...for now.

So, why would this simply quit after a few days of running well? It is getting fuel, oil pressure is good, vacuum is 14" at idle, & no vacuum leaks evident.

Ideas??? My son depends on this truck. It's getting to be more of a PITA than it's worth.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Is the choke staying closed? Check for voltage at the choke thermostat the choke relay provides a pulsing voltage while the engine is running.

 

[RonD]

You said it has gas at carb now, so that problem is solved?

Vacuum is low for sea level-2,000ft, would expect 18" or higher, but not a no start issue.

The TFI spark system has a few problems as it gets older, wiring is one and the module itself is the other, after warm up stalling and/or no restart was a common complaint/symptom.

Good read here on the TFI system: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.shtml

And good read here on the 2.8l engine: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_8L_Performance.shtml

 

[patrick84]

Cool, thanks for the tech leads.

 

[patrick84]

I think I have a good lead on the problem. The TFI module and wiring was mentioned. I had a nearly identical problem on a 1985 Grand Marquis. Similar symptoms. Last night, the truck started fine. My son was driving it, when it started to act like it was out of fuel, first sputtering then finally stalling. We had to put a jump battery on the truck. It felt like it wanted to fire, but wouldn't. Same as the Merc when it was having issues.

My question now is: Is getting to the TFI module on the 2.8L the same as the 5.0L V8 engines - is it attached to the distributor in the same way, and is replacement the same?

 

[RonD]

Common problem as TFI module fails is being sensitive to heat, stalling and no start until it cools down.

Yes, it should be the same setup on the side of the distributor, there were 2 different modules, you need to match the one on there now if you decide to replace it.

 

[GKM007]

I have a 2.8 TFI module I do not use anymore. I have done the Duraspark swap on my rig. It worked perfect when pulled, never had a no start / shutdown situation in the year I drove it before the swap, rig had 257k when it was pulled and who knows its age might be original?

Let me know if you are interested.

 

[patrick84]

Found the problems...First, the coil bit the dust. Second, the connector at the TFI module was bad, as was the NEW TFI module! Third, the harness between the module and the coil was partially melted and had bare wires throughout the length of the harness. What a PITA that was!

So, with a new pigtail, some new wire, a coil and a TFI module, it's on the road.

Some days, I truly despise this truck.

 

[RonD]

Good work

Thanks for the update