97 Ranger Stalls at stop, No compression

[jims place]

I have a 97 Ford Ranger with 2.3L, 5 speed. It stalls at stops. After stalling, it cranks like it has no compression. After sitting for 2 minutes or so, it has compression again and will start again. Any ideas? Thanks all.

 

[tomw]

Try pressing on the gas pedal when you are trying to re-start after a stall. If the IAC is futzy, it might not provide a passage for air to run the engine. Opening the throttle plate manually might get it to fire off.
You are likely not losing compression, but the engine is firing - some - enough to help the starter but not enough to run on its own. Maybe.
tom

 

[RonD]

Yes, ^^^ +1

Engine is most like firing on restart for your impression of no compression.

Compression is not something that can come and go, even with timing belt engine.

Failing IAC valve would be first thing to check, as tomw said

You may have a small fuel leak into the intake causing flooding at lower RPMs so a stall and then you have to wait for fuel to evaporate in warm intake and can restart in a few minutes.

My guess would be the Fuel Pressure Regulator(FPR) on the fuel rail, Fuel Return line is there and you will see a vacuum hose as well, remove that vacuum hose and check it for fuel or fuel smell, replace FPR if fuel is or has been in that vacuum hose.