Change mechanical fuel pump help

[83RangerAuto]

i can't have him harassed by the cops. In my area they'd likely shoot him then drag him out and issue a bill for the bullet. He's not really a parasite, the pays in full when he works. We just got to get him driving so he can work.

 

[Mark_88]

Any thoughts on a next course of action. I can feel this is getting expensive soon. Did anyone notice the light color connection on top of my ignitiono box. I still have no idea where it goes or what it's for.

I noticed that, but unless you removed something you wouldn't have a spare connector sitting open like that...it's probably for testing the circuit, but I really have no idea what it could be...mine has about three open connectors that I've never had connected and they are all to do with either testing the system or for parts that were options (like one that sits on the coil)...

I'd move forward if you cannot find a mate for it that was recently disconnected...

The next step would be to swap out the carb/intake if you can find the parts cheap enough...sometimes you get lucky and find a complete unit like I did (carb and intake from a 78 Mustang II in mint condition) and you can have it up and running in no time...you will need a gasket for the intake and some sealant for the water jacket opening on the intake...

I realize it's not your truck and can understand your reluctance to invest your money into it...but going with the 86 EFI intake and a Holly 350 would be the best bet at this point...unless you can scavenge a complete carb/intake from a local wreckers you may have to put the money in yourself and have your roommate promise to pay you back...or give you the truck for the work you've done...

However, having said that since it appears you've tried everything...the thing that has me really puzzled is you say it "almost runs" but doesn't stay running...like it's firing but won't catch on...that may not be a carb issue at all because I've had my truck doing that a few times...
it was the timing...I had the pistons set on the wrong phase of the timing...

When you set the timing, are you removing the first plug and putting your thumb over the hole while cranking the engine by hand?

You should feel a pressure on your thumb when the pistons are coming up, and then crank it till it is at the top of the chamber...if NOT...remove the belt and realign the cam and aux sprocket and try it again...

 

[Kenneth S]

Since it has a computer, see if it has any codes, the computer could be shot also.

See here for checking for codes.
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OBD_I.html

 

[Mark_88]

Hmmmm...I didn't realize 83 carbed trucks even had a computer...thought that was only on 86 or later FI engines...but if it does it would be a good place to start...

 

[Kenneth S]

My bad, they don't call it a computer they call it a mcu (microprocesor control unit) it senses the exhaust gas oxygen, coolant temputure, manifold vacuum, and engine rpm, it controlls the feedback carburator, it also controls the canister purge, thermactor air diverter, thermactor air bypass, throttle kicker, and the spark retard system. I have one off a 87 ranger but I don't think it will work on the 83 since the 87 has a 2 bbl carb vs the 83's 1 bbl carb. I've tried to find new mcu's but with no luck, you could spend $275.00 + on a reman carb, but I think the mcu is the problem since it also messes with the ignition because you replaced all the ignition components, and tried starting fluid, and pouring some gas in the carb and it still won't fire.

 

[Kenneth S]

Something else could be the problem besides the mcu, it could the stator in the distributor it can act up just like the ignition module.

Here's a pic of the stator.

But it might be easier (and better) to just buy a reman distributor since the shaft, and distibutor could be worn out.

 

[Mark_88]

Yeah, I mentioned the stator already, but was actually referring to the ground wire on it...I changed mine out using the part shown on the top right...it worked great...except I had a mechanic do it and he assembled it wrong so that the internals didn't actually spin properly...ended up blowing a huge hole in my muffler because gas was being drawn in and forced out the exhaust side...scared the crap out of me