2.9 headache

[steve89ranger]

i recently purchased a 89 ranger with a 2.9 for a 100 bucks. it started right up drove it 45 minutes home.. then the starter went out.. replaced that started up fine, but now it cranks over and over and wont start, ,i have shot starting fluid in it and still no start,, checked for spark,, its getting some spark but not sure if it is getting enough, i have no idea where to go from here on it. any suggestions?

 

[low_five]

gotta check the codes man. we have even less of an idea than you cause we are on the other side of the computer.

heres how
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OBD_I.html

 

[Gription]

if you have no spark try the ignition moduale they usually go fast without warning, if you have some check the coil its at least a place to start

 

[Ozwynn]

the 2.9 is a head ache but yeah check the codes.

 

[donlightbody]

you didn't mention if you're getting fuel. If you turn the key forward but not to engage the starter you should hear the fuel pump buzzing under the truck on driver side. if not check the fuel inertia relay. I had that prob and it drove me NUTZ for months.

 

[steve89ranger]

i hear the fuel pump humming.. is there a way for me to check codes or do i need to get it to the shop to hook up on the computer? it just cranks and cranks but wont start.. i put a spark plug in the wire and it was firing but just looked weak, if thats possible.. if the ignition module was bad would it get spark at all? thanks for your input..

 

[Ozwynn]

look for an OBD1 scanner for a ford.

 

[low_five]

i posted a link that shows you how to get codes with just a piece of wire or a paperclip.

TFI has more to do with when to spark. the coil is what actually produces the spark.

 

[steve89ranger]

ok thanks i will check out the codes..

 

[steve89ranger]

had a buddy tell me to put a hair drying on the distributor for a while,, he said he had one and when it would rain he would have to use heat from a hair dryer for a while then it would start. has anyone ever heard of that? havent tried it yet but was just wondering before i do try it.

 

[Ozwynn]

just take the cap off and see if there is moisture inside the cap.

 

[steve89ranger]

im buying a OBD1 scanner in morning,, will it tell me if the problem is a timing issue somehow?, because im totally lost on this problems, i know best thing to do is get scanner in morning but im going nuts trying to figure out what the problem is..

 

[turbo cat]

have you checked to see if the injectors are firing? does it try to start at all or not even a pop?

 

[Ozwynn]

im buying a OBD1 scanner in morning,, will it tell me if the problem is a timing issue somehow?, because im totally lost on this problems, i know best thing to do is get scanner in morning but im going nuts trying to figure out what the problem is..

OBD1 is not as sophisticated as OBD2, but it will give you all the stored codes and that is a place to start.

 

[steve89ranger]

im not very mechanically inclined as you can tell. what is easiest way to see if the injectors are firing? i hear the fuel pump kick on,,, if it were a fuel issue wouldnt it start after spraying with starting fluid? it just cranks over , then every once in a while it sounds like it tries to start. what is price difference between the OBD1 and OBD2 , and which one would u suggest buying? i am totally clueless on this 2.9 issue. thanks. is there a way to check timing without a timing light?