83 Ranger Issues

[Lee_533]

Ok guys. I have searched the forum but so far cannot find the solution. I have an 83 Ranger 4x4. Engine is the stock 2.3L. I was driving it to a friends house when the truck just died. It has been running perfect with no problems up until now. The truck did not lug or sputter, I shifted in to 3rd and it just lost power. I'm guessing that it's spark because I'm still getting fuel. I changed the coil and ICM and still nothing. Also the engine is cranking faster than normal when I try to start it. After changing the coil and ICM, I now get a ticking noise coming from my distributor when the key is in the on position. What could this be?!? I am going to try and changed the cap and rotor next to see if it helps. I do not have a crankshaft positioning sensor so that's not it. Any help would be great. I was told that it may be that I'm not getting power to the ignition control module with will still turn the motor but won't allow spark, does that sound right? Help me out guys, this is my baby and I've put a lot of time, sweat, and blood in to her and don't want her dead.

 

[doorgunner]

You really need a fuel pressure gauge to check the constant pressure. Also you can pull a sparkplug wire aloose from a plug---stick a screwdriver in the plug---lay it on the engine where the spark can jump to the metal on the engine & have someone crank it over good while you make sure there's a good spark!

Is the spark plug wet with fuel...that will help you know if fuel is getting to the cylinders?

(One time my gas gauge got stuck on 1/4....I ran out of gas without realizing it)

(And....NEVER power-wash an old vehicle engine....messes up the wiring connectors)

Just don't go replacing lots of parts until you narrow down the REAL problem!

 

[Lee_533]

Truck has 1/2 tank because I just put gas in it. As far as fuel pressure goes, it's getting fuel and if it wasn't, it would have sputtered before dying. I never power wash my engine because I know how these old trucks are. I haven't been able to test the spark plugs because I haven't had anyone to help me yet. But here's something weird. Usually when I cranked my engine over the brake pedal would loosen up, be now it just stays solid like when you pump the brakes with the car off. My brakes are connected to vacuum lines which, when the car is running or cranking over, should release. The carb is getting fuel and my ignition relay clicks on in the truck when I turn it on. But I can just crank and crank without so much as a sputter. I'm wondering if the ignition module is getting power or if the distributor shaft broke. Could that just happen while driving?

 

[remnutt]

How about the timimg belt

 

[remnutt]

I had that happen to me. timing belt slipped a couple cogs

 

[Mark_88]

Yes, remove the distributor and have someone crank it over...if the distributor does not turn...you have a broken timing belt...

You may also be able to peak behind the timing cover to see if the belt is there, but it doesn't always tell you it is broken...so before you sink any more parts into it...check the belt...mine did the same thing and I did the same thing...started throwing parts at it...

If it is the timing belt they are actually very easy to do yourself...

 

[Lee_533]

Got it guys, thanks for the help. I finally got spark but it still no fire. Checked my timing belt and that was that. Belt snapped so now I gotta change it. Never done that before so this should be fun.