87 4x4 2.9l ranger changed oil pump now have to keep key turned to keep running

[vpcoded]

I just purchased a 87 ranger with a oil press issue i jacked the motor and tranny up and changed the oil pump in doing so i removed the intake man, air box, distrubeter cap, and starter. I have now put the truck back togeather and it will not stay running with out keeping the key turned almost to the start position, then the eninge will run but will die if you let up on key or let off gas. I am trying to get the truck going as my daily before my 86 escort kills over ne help appericated.

 

[IMenriched]

I just purchased a 87 ranger with a oil press issue i jacked the motor and tranny up and changed the oil pump in doing so i removed the intake man, air box, distrubeter cap, and starter. I have now put the truck back togeather and it will not stay running with out keeping the key turned almost to the start position, then the eninge will run but will die if you let up on key or let off gas. I am trying to get the truck going as my daily before my 86 escort kills over ne help appericated.

can you get codes at all??

did it work properly before all the work was done...or...was this a problem when you bought it?

if previous owned issue...then look into the key switch inside the cab. (either way this maybe the issue)

if this developed after working on it...then look into you connections and grounds & relays

 

[vpcoded]

i belive that i am the cause of the issues. He did start it i assume he wasnt holding it like that lol. I will check all the grounds/ relays as well as the key switch. I am new to working on autos how would i obtain codes would i need instruments for it ? I know that i have some vac lines i need to replace

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

did you put the distributor back in correctly?

 

[vpcoded]

yes i marked it with marker then the wires with there posts. Roater and contacts seems fine would there be two wires that could bemisplaced that would make it think that the igntion must be in start instead of run inorder to stay running.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

how well does it run when it actually runs? very weak? or normal?

you marked the base of the distributor? but did you make sure the rotor went back into the same position that it came out?

 

[vpcoded]

While holding the ign almost to the start pos and giving gas the motor sounds fairly strong lifter noise almost gone after running the truck thisway for a short time. the roater would only properly seat in the oringal pos as pulled off.
It will not idle while keeping it running in this manner when i let off gas it dies .

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

While holding the ign almost to the start pos and giving gas the motor sounds fairly strong lifter noise almost gone after running the truck thisway for a short time. the roater would only properly seat in the oringal pos as pulled off.
It will not idle while keeping it running in this manner when i let off gas it dies .

not correct, the rotor can seat in several different positions, not only are there several teeth that it can mesh with on the cam gear, but the oil pump drive is six sided. so it is very easy to get it in wrong.

what you are describing sounds more like a failed ignition switch. i only mentioned the distributor because the computer alters timing and dwell during cranking and then changes it when you release the key to the run position.

a simple test would be to connect a test light to the positive terminal of your coil. it should light up in the run position, stay lit in the start position and stay lit when released to the on position.

 

[vpcoded]

Well i am going out to check grounds and relays ect. will post up date when i get back in .

well before i posted this i went out found a loose ground tightened it and fixed a few vac leaks that i found attempted to start again the starter stayed ingauged only way to stop was pull batt cable if i put the cable back on it continues to keep rotating the eng .
I guess ill be reading my haynes for a bit. The escort must live another day funny thing the escort has this same porblem with the ignition staying engaged

 

[vpcoded]

up and running

well i tightened all grounds no luck cleanded silnoid wires and tighted them then pulled colom cover off and pulled ign and cleaned the contacts where they slide to meet put all back and started still need to tighten left motor mount as well as find vac leaks ect but for 500 bucks i purchased a strong 87 4x4 ranger 2.9 hope to use tips from rangerstation to make it all the truck it can be with my limited knowlage and the stations knowlage lol . thanks for the replies