87 2.9L Engine cranks but no spark

[MikeLikesIke]

I bought my ranger about a year ago, it ran mostly fine. It would occasionaly idle high after I ran it for awhile, but it did run and start fine. Went to work one morning, got about halfway there, and the engine died. Checked my fuel pressure (40 PSI) then I checked for spark, got nothing.

So far, I have replaced the ignition coil, the ignition switch, the TFI module, and still nothing.

To the coil I get 6.4V with the key turned to "On"
When I crank it it goes to 9.4v.
For a split second after I stop cranking it'll spike to 11.8v before dropping back down to 6.4v.

The distributor does turn, and everything underneath looks fine (haven't tested anything under the cap with a multimeter, though.) Any thoughts as to what else it could be? And why am I not getting 12v to the coil unless I'm cranking?

 

[SenorNoob]

Isn't power to the coil supposed to be reduced until engine start to prevent burning up the coil? Or was just certain type of points setups?

 

[ShhhhhDougsHere]

Have you checked your PCM fuse yet?

 

[ShhhhhDougsHere]

And by the way,
WELCOME TO THERANGERSTATION!!!!!

 

[MikeLikesIke]

Isn't power to the coil supposed to be reduced until engine start to prevent burning up the coil? Or was just certain type of points setups?

I have no idea. If that's true then I won't worry about it. My only confusion is, before I replaced the TFI the voltage read 3.1v, now it's reading 6.4. Odd.

 

[MikeLikesIke]

And by the way,
WELCOME TO THERANGERSTATION!!!!!

Thank you!

I don't believe 87 Rangers have a PCM fuse, could be 100% wrong, but I did check all of my fuses in the fuse panel to be sure and they are all good. Checked both of the relays near the passenger struts tower with a multimeter (they're unmarked, no idea what they're even for. Previous owner wasn't a cable guy by any means.) and they're both good too. No idea what else it could be.

 

[ShhhhhDougsHere]

Hmmm.
Sorry brother I can't be of any more help.
I did 20 years in prison and just got out this passed June.
So I'm pretty much a beginner at all this.

Did they make the EVTMs for the 87 Rangers?

For those who don't know EVTM stands for Electrical and Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual.