88 Ranger 2.9 won't start most times

[scottveazie]

So I picked this Ranger up, pretty well taken care of, the previous owner thought it was bad gas. Replaced the filter, the fuel pump is working, it started and ran a couple of times when I sprayed starting fluid in the intake, then now it won't start. Replaced the coil, it started right up, now it won't start again. Is this a TFI issue? This is my first Ranger, so I'm new to this, but not working on cars. I tried more starting fluid with a fully charged battery, no dice. Appreciate the help!

 

[RonD]

Yes, more than likely a TFI issue, they have a 100% failure rate within 20 years, so better than some but not as good as other ignitions.

read here and print the worksheet
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.html

 

[scottveazie]

RonD, thanks, I'll go through that worksheet again, I know I did a couple of the tests, and the SPOUT connector looked ok, but I wonder if it could have a problem INSIDE the harness? I find it odd that they run that harness directly through the intake manifold, and it looks like there's some foil shielding in the harness so that could be screwing stuff up. I'll replace the TFI anyway, is there a way to pull it without pulling the distributor?

 

[scottveazie]

Thought you'd like to know, it was the tfi. Replaced it and she fires off every time. Idles a little rough but the truck had sat for a long time.


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[RonD]

Thanks for the update on the fix, and good work with the DIY