88 Ranger wont start..Thinking Fuel Problem

[atvkid4eva]

Hey guys i have an 88' ranger and it used to start but you would have to crank for a while turning the key on and off...now all the suddent it just cranks but wont start. i tried starting fluid and it started right up until the fluid burned away and then it shut back down. i can hear the fuel pump in the tank buzzing when i turn the key so i assume its good? i was thinking maybe fuel filter? also i heard there were two fuel pumps on this truck? i just need some input as to where to start and how to check the fuel system since im assuming the ignition system is fine since it started on the ether.

 

[88rangerboy]

I had a similar problem on my '88 and turned out to be a relay so you mite want to check that well.

 

[atvkid4eva]

which relay was it? anyone else?

 

[IMenriched]

really doubt that you have 2 fuel filters...2 fuel pumps..yes

 

[atvkid4eva]

ok so since i can hear the one in the tank running it should be fine..how do i test the one in the frame rail?

 

[IMenriched]

ok so since i can hear the one in the tank running it should be fine..how do i test the one in the frame rail?

there is a shraider valve (much like a tire stem, driver side), on the fuel manifold, in the valley,between the valve covers , or under the upper intake.

need to attach a fuel pressure gauge on the shraider valve and take some pressure readings.

just because you can hear the intake pump....does rule it out necessarily.

the pressure readings tell the story.

Key on engine off (KOEO) should produce some where in the area of 30-40psi

Key on engine running (KOER) should have similar readings

KOER crack the throttle and pressure should increase a bit, maybe 10psi....if the pressure drops with crack of the throttle, that is a sign the in-tank pump is weak or fuel restriction (fuel filter plugged )

shut engine off...if pressure drops shortly after...the high pressure pump has a bad check valve, the check valve is built into the pump.

higher pressures than 40-45psi, indicates return line restriction or FPR is bad

Lower pressure readings than the desired 30-40psi indicates bad high pressure pump or severly plugged fuel filter

 

[atvkid4eva]

alright guys i have a little update..i took the frame rail fuel pump off the truck and hooked it to a 12v battery and it seemed to work but didnt have much power. while i had it off i tryed to start the truck and tons of gas came out meaning that the intank pump is working fine...i put the frame fuel pump back on the truck and with the key off i pressed down the schredder valve on the fuel rail and there was no air released or fuel no pressure at all...so then i turned the key into the ON position and pushed down the valve and some gas slowly trickled out didnt seem to have any pressure though... is this normal? can you tell me anything from this?

 

[low_five]

nope, gas should ****ing spray out when you press that valve with a nail or something. ask me how I know.

 

[atvkid4eva]

right, i did it on my buddies explorer and it shot out! whats causing this?

 

[IMenriched]

It would appear that your high pressure fuel pump is NOT up to parr

ALSO...there should be a fuel filter after the High pressure pump, closer to the exhaust manifold...if that has not been replaced...even if it has, do it again sometimes they can replug quickly.

 

[atvkid4eva]

alright so the high pressure pump is the one in the fuel rail correct? and yeah i was gonna just replace that fuel filter as well.

 

[IMenriched]

alright so the high pressure pump is the one in the fuel rail correct? and yeah i was gonna just replace that fuel filter as well.

no....the high pressure fuel pump....it is on the frame rail. maybe that is what you meant ?? The fuel filter is just forward, on the drivers side frame rail...near the exhaust manifold

on the fuel manifold , which is just under the upper intake, towards the fire wall, drivers side, with th little vacuum line coming out of it. That is the fuel pressure regulator FPR.

 

[atvkid4eva]

yeah i def meant frame rail..sorry they are pricey im gonna try and find one fopr a decent price and replace the fuel filter as well...should i replace the FPR or how do i test to see if its working?

 

[kimcrwbr1]

fuel pressure guage and disconnect the vacuum line