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86 2.9 intermittant crank no start (maybe no fuel injection)


valsound

Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2009
Messages
21
City
York PA
Vehicle Year
1986
Transmission
Manual
Hi friends, first post.
Let me begin by saying that I've been through about half the 2.9 pages & am very impressed by the friendly tone & helpful nature of the forum.

I brought home my second "farm truck" 86 2.9 4x4 stick Ranger with 150,000 miles a few weeks ago. It's not roadable due to rust, but it's perfect for navigating between trees in the wood lot. Problem is when it quits in the wood lot & I have to walk back to the house & wait till it feels like running again.

When I bought it the seller revealed that it did have an intermittant problem, & he handed me a box of parts: Computer out of a 88 Bronco, a distributor, some relays, & a TFI Module.

When the truck runs, it starts & runs like new (so I know it can). Maybe 3 times now, I'll hit a bump & the truck shuts off. Then it cranks strong, & I have spark at the plugs. If I spray starting fluid into the throttle body, it runs a second then dies. So I'm pretty sure that fuel delivery is the issue.

The truck starts up like nothing is wrong sometimes a few minutes later, sometimes after a few days.

When it's not working, if I depress the schrader valve on the fuel rail, gas will spurt out under at least under some kind of pressure. Sometimes, I can turn the key to run, & I hear the fuel pump run & gas pressure builds back up in the rail. But sometimes (if I remember correctly) the pump didn't run & no gas would come out of the valve after it came out the first time.

So here's my first question:

I'm thinking it would be a good idea to buy a good fuel pressure gauge to check at several points: the schrader valve, & also tee into the line after the fuel pump & before the regulator.

Is there anything I should know to look for or stay away from when I buy the tool? What's the best source? Parts store, or Sears?

Thanks.
 
as with most things...economically purchased....tends to =cheap

check withe parts stores in your area some will offer tool rental...put down a deposit, use it, return when done ...get your funds back.....basically free tool use. just another option.

As for best /worst scenario, try to get something with a warranty of some kind and adaptability for different styles , makes and models....i went to sears

as far as your "new purchase" issue....it smacks of a bad TFI (aka ignition module) or fuel pump relay.....but your also correct in finding out the fuel pressure is .

the TFI can be tested at major parts stores...there is a test procedure in the Tech Library section here at TRS....look above for the tab
 
Thanks for the comeback. Tools, I like to collect them, so I'll probably buy the gauge. Although on things like spring compressors, I've done the "free rental"

In that box of parts I got was a fuel relay which I've swapped to no avail. (of course both could be bad I guess)

Since the TFI is so fun to get at, I haven't pulled it yet. (bright spot is another tool to buy).

A couple of questions as I try to trouble shoot when it acts up the next time.

Am I correct that this motor does not have a crank sensor & instead uses the pick up in the distributor to know when to fire the fuel injectors.

The fuel injector wires are hard to get to. I've tried to gently pull & wiggle one off to see how easy a noid light will install, but the connector wouldn't come off. (didn't want to break it) Is there a trick or clip to getting them off?

Fuel lines: Looks like there are 2. One goes into the bottom of the fuel rail & I see no disconect. The other goes into what I believe is the pressure regulator connected with a 3 inch rubber hose with clamps.

Would that be a good place to tee into to check fuel pump pressure?

What are those 1" round metal disc things in the fuel line? directional stop valves?

Thanks for the insight.
 
Thanks for the comeback. Tools, I like to collect them, so I'll probably buy the gauge. Although on things like spring compressors, I've done the "free rental"

In that box of parts I got was a fuel relay which I've swapped to no avail. (of course both could be bad I guess)

Since the TFI is so fun to get at, I haven't pulled it yet. (bright spot is another tool to buy).

A couple of questions as I try to trouble shoot when it acts up the next time.

Am I correct that this motor does not have a crank sensor & instead uses the pick up in the distributor to know when to fire the fuel injectors.



The fuel injector wires are hard to get to. I've tried to gently pull & wiggle one off to see how easy a noid light will install, but the connector wouldn't come off. (didn't want to break it) Is there a trick or clip to getting them off?

Fuel lines: Looks like there are 2. One goes into the bottom of the fuel rail & I see no disconect. The other goes into what I believe is the pressure regulator connected with a 3 inch rubber hose with clamps.

Would that be a good place to tee into to check fuel pump pressure?






Thanks for the insight.

yes i believe that is correct that the pick coil/hall effect control spake /injector pluses

What are those 1" round metal disc things in the fuel line? directional stop valves?
those if i understand correctly as to what you're referring to are disconnection places...you'll like this...requires a special tool to get at them.
more good info here http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/

Would that be a good place to tee into to check fuel pump pressure?

that usually gets done on the shraider valve where you pressed to see if you had fuel
 

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