83 ranger reved up then died

[handcutcustoms]

i have a 1983 ford ranger 4 cyl 4x4 and was driving, shifting out of third when the throttle stuck. after the initial fright of being caught off guard i pumped the gas pedal and the idle went down, i slowed to go around the corner and when I went to accelerate out of it the truck died. after i coasted to the side of the road i tried to start it again and it started for a second sputtered then died. shortly before departing on my drive I sprayed a small amount of lubricant on the throttle linkage and pedal since it felt a little sticky. After the engine reved up, I want to say i remember the sound of a spring coming loose and bouncing under the truck, shortly before It died. The truck will now crank over, but I cant get it to sputter or start. Im trying to decide the best place to start looking, and any help you guys and your vast knowledge of these of these trucks could give is very appreciated. I can't count how much money this website and you guys have saved me by not having to take it to a mechanic, or begin to tell you guys how much i appreciate it.

thanks!

 

[schlutzer]

are you 100% sure your not out of gas? sounds stupid but i've done it....a couple times now.

I'm not 100% positive about your truck but my 88 even had it....Have you checked your inertia switch? since it died after the corner it makes me think that. its under your glove box close to the tranny tunnel on the firewall. should have a white or red button on the top....press it in and try again...

Since it sputtered and died im saying its probably a fuel issue, since i've had that. my next step would be check your fuel pumps....you need two people since you have two pumps and you gotta make sure BOTH are working...

if your pumps are coming on look into your ignition, check your plugs/wires.

 

[dangerranger83]

If it has its original motor in it, then it has a carb. on it. Fuel injection came out in 85 on all the trucks except the ones with the 2.0 liter motors.

 

[Mark_88]

Take the breather off and have a look at the connections on the carb where the accelerator peddle connects...move the linkage and you should see a few things moving with that...if not...you may have lost a spring...

However, unless you have super good hearing, the springs on the carb wouldn't make enough audible sounds...could be something else fell off...have a look underneath for your parking brake cable assembly...

The timing belt may have came off and that would cause crank but no start...and it may actually start without the timing belt but it won't run for any length of time because you are not getting proper valve support or distributor rotation...and the timing belt may have hit something when it came off making an audible noise...

To check the timing belt, have someone crank the engine and watch the camshaft at the tom of the engine...if it isn't turning...you've lost your belt...