93 Ranger 3.0 Won't Start After Transmission Work - Spark Plug/Distributor?

[Nathan_93XLT]

Hello all!

I just acquired a 1993 Ford Ranger, 3.0 automatic, 2wd. When I got it, it was running fine engine wise, cranked right up every time with little to no hesitation. The problem with it was that the front pump seal was bad. Over the last week I pulled the transmission, replaced the seal and bushing. Today I got the transmission back in, the truck all together and now it won't start.

It cranks beautifully, but it won't even sputter.

After thinking about it for awhile and researching, I have come to the conclusion that it could be the fact that when I pulled the plugs to turn the engine over by hand, I didn't mark which spark plug wires went where. After learning about distributors and how they basically work (this is my first vehicle to have a distributor), I turned the engine to TDC (based on the markings on the harmonic balancer), and noted which post was #1 on the distributor. While doing this, I noticed that it spun counter clock wise. All my reading online suggested it should spin clock wise. I also couldn't find any markings on the cap suggesting it was a Ford part, or indicating which post was #1, or rotation direction.

I followed the theory that a distributor alternates between sides and hooked up the spark plug wires how I thought they should be. I cranked it up, and it back fired. I suppose that is progress, right?

Thats all I could get to tonight. Tomorrow I am going to start off by charging the battery as it seemed a little weak. I also am going to replace the spark plug wires as they seem a little worn. What else do I need to do to try to get this sorted? I checked everything on the transmission first. Everything is hooked up on there right and nothing is pinching or broken. My only guess it that the carelessness with the spark plug wires caused this ignition issue.

I could use any reading material and suggestions you guys can recommend. I am sure most of you know way more about distributors than myself. Any and all help is appreciated!! Thanks in advance!!

 

[RonD]

Welcome to the forum

First thing to know is that there are TWO TDCs when timing spark on an engine.
TDC for #1 and TDC for #5(on the 3.0l)

The crank has to go around TWO times for each ONE time for the distributor

So mark on crank is at TDC when #1 is on compression stroke AND when its on exhaust stroke

Drawing here of the wiring: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/...jzhc76mFUVNzyhcIr55YFWiEA8WfSyrHApyPG8QXZxQ2T

Assuming you haven't pull out distributor, pull up distributor cap so you can see the rotor, then rotate engine by hand until rotor is point at #1 in the drawing and at TDC mark as well

Now move the wires around so they are hooked up the same as in the drawing

Yes the distributor turns clock wise, when engine is running, but if you manually turn the crank backwards then it will rotate counter clockwise

 

[Nathan_93XLT]

Wow I feel really stupid for not realizing I was spinning the engine backwards. I'll give this a shot when I get off work today. Thanks!

 

[Josh B]

Hey Nathan. we;come to TRS.
Long time since I've used one with a distributor also, but prior to that I looked at em about 40 years. One thing you always note when looking into a distributor is the condition of the cap and the rotor. Look for anything looking distorted, I.E. scuffed rotor head, contacts in cap that have cracks around them or burnt spots on or around them(where maybe the spark has arc'd or something), sometimes even the contacts in the distributor would become loose and shift around a few degrees