• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

88 Bronco 2 No spark


Mhfco6

Well-Known Member
Firefighter
Joined
Aug 23, 2015
Messages
392
City
Virginia
Vehicle Year
1988
Engine
2.9 V6
Transmission
Automatic
Total Lift
0
Total Drop
0
Tire Size
235/75/15
I have been doing a lot of work on this 88 bronco 2 that I inherited. It has not started since in my possession, or for the past 10 years. I pulled #1 plug to TDC and ran the crank pulley the rest of the way to 10 BTDC. I marked the dizzy and made sure they rotor was pointing to #1 plug wire, installed the cap and wires in correct firing order; 1,4,2,5,3,6. I have fuel at the rail but no spark and it will not start. Any suggestions of things to check? Thanks!
 
Where and how did you check for spark?

If you figure out the spark thing, and it still will not start, the next thing to ask; How did you figure out #1 TDC? If you just brought #1 piston to the top, that is not necessarily TDC on #1. The piston comes up twice in the 4 cycle engines, once for exhaust and once for firing TDC. If you just bring #1 piston to the top you have a 50% chance of being correct.
 
Where and how did you check for spark?

If you figure out the spark thing, and it still will not start, the next thing to ask; How did you figure out #1 TDC? If you just brought #1 piston to the top, that is not necessarily TDC on #1. The piston comes up twice in the 4 cycle engines, once for exhaust and once for firing TDC. If you just bring #1 piston to the top you have a 50% chance of being correct.

Sat the # 5 spark plug against the block and few other spots while cranking and didn’t see a spark. It’s was on the compression stroke, I always feel for the big puff of air!
 
Try the coil wire... use one of these.

1685384293587.png
 
As said TDC on crank pulley denotes #1 and #5 TDC on most V6 engines, not just #1, but you would still have spark, just not at the right time for engine to start

50/50 test
Spray fuel into the engine
Try to start
If it fires you have spark, but may be out of time if it doesn't start
If it doesn't fire then no spark(maybe no compression)
50/50 instant results


If no fire/no start
Test coil wire for 12volts key on

Replace TFI module if you have 12volts at coil
TFI modules are common failure point on 2.9l engines
 
As said TDC on crank pulley denotes #1 and #5 TDC on most V6 engines, not just #1, but you would still have spark, just not at the right time for engine to start

50/50 test
Spray fuel into the engine
Try to start
If it fires you have spark, but may be out of time if it doesn't start
If it doesn't fire then no spark(maybe no compression)
50/50 instant results


If no fire/no start
Test coil wire for 12volts key on

Replace TFI module if you have 12volts at coil
TFI modules are common failure point on 2.9l engines
Didn’t have SF but I used some carb/brake clean. Still nothing. I’ll test for 12v at coil and let you know what I find, thanks!
 
I probed and tested the red/green wire and green/yellow wire. Both on fender wheel and at dizzy.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3733.jpeg
    IMG_3733.jpeg
    176.3 KB · Views: 104
  • IMG_3735.jpeg
    IMG_3735.jpeg
    113.4 KB · Views: 102
  • IMG_3734.jpeg
    IMG_3734.jpeg
    146.8 KB · Views: 96
The TFI is original motorcraft and only has 1 mounting screw instead of 2. I’ve tried every small socket I have, some searching says it’s a special tool needed to remove? Can anyone say 100%?
 
@Mhfco6 ,
Of the top of my head, I remember 7mm. I will put a socket on it and let you know for certain.

There is a custom tool or adapter but again, I remember it being a 7mm socket.
 
I think its a 5.5mm
 
I think its a 5.5mm
I think you are right and you have to take a regular socket and grind the outside down for it to fit. What is Ford thinking when they come up with this stuff I'll never know.

On the puff of air for #1 for TDC, good job. Just checking, do not know what people know and what they don't know through the computer.
 
Deepwell 7/32 got the job done, but still won’t come off. If there’s a 2nd screw damn if I can see it.
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    91.5 KB · Views: 101
Deepwell 7/32 got the job done, but still won’t come off. If there’s a 2nd screw damn if I can see it.

Should be 2 screws.

Try to CAREFULLY pry on it. There's a heat transfer paste that dries out and kind of bonds the module to the dizzy.

MAKE SURE that you use new heat transfer paste on the new module; a new module should include a packet of paste in the box.

QUOTE="franklin2, post: 1971820, member: 107114"]
I think you are right and you have to take a regular socket and grind the outside down for it to fit.
[/QUOTE]

Exactly what I did.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Latest posts

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Ranger Adventure Video

TRS Merchandise

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Sponsors


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Sponsored Ad

Back
Top