Crank but no start problem

[revengefizz]

Hello all. I just bought a 88 Ranger with the 2.3 with 4spd manual. I can't find any post like my situation so I decided to make one. The truck was running fine and one morning it just cranks. I've so far tested all 4 spark plugs and I'm getting nothing. Battery is only couple years old. I've tested the coil and that is working as well. I decided to replace the distributor cap and the rotor to see if that was the problem since it was a cheap fix. And still not working. And the distributor is spinning fine. After that I decided to test the spark plugs wires. All is working but one and it's the wire connecting the distributor to the coil. I decided to unplug cylinder 1 and connect it to distributor and coil. To my knowledge it should run but really rough correct? Well still didn't start. I ordered new spark plugs wires and I'm hoping it would fix the problem. If that does not work I'm wondering if anyone has any other ideas of what it could be?

 

[dvdswan]

Sounds like you are on the right track.

 

[RonD]

I would do 50/50 test just to confirm its a no spark issue

TFI system is self contained, doesn't need engine computer for startup
Just needs 12volt and ground
BUT................there is often a 2nd pathway for 12volts when starter motor is active, it was a carry over from older spark systems
You can "hot wire" the system by applying 12volts from battery "+" to Coil "+" that will back feed to TFI
And then try to start

Wiring diagram here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/EDiagrams/files/Diagrams_StartIgnition83to88_2_3.JPG

The ignition switch cuts 12volt to red/green wire when key is in START and the brown/pink wire supplies the 12volts
So just to take that off the table, hot wire the system

TFI Modules did wear out, common failure point in these systems
Did new distributor come with new TFI Module?

 

[duffy]

If the wire between the distributer and the coil is bad I think you found your problem......

 

[1990RangerinSK]

Is it getting fuel? Better yet, is it getting ENOUGH fuel?

Fuel pump, fuel filter, ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor. ECT tells the computer how cold the coolant is, computer then adjusts air:fuel mixture accordingly. The colder the coolant temperature, the richer the mixture needs to be in order to start.

 

[revengefizz]

If the wire between the distributer and the coil is bad I think you found your problem......

Unfortunately that wasn't it

 

[revengefizz]

I would do 50/50 test just to confirm its a no spark issue

TFI system is self contained, doesn't need engine computer for startup
Just needs 12volt and ground
BUT................there is often a 2nd pathway for 12volts when starter motor is active, it was a carry over from older spark systems
You can "hot wire" the system by applying 12volts from battery "+" to Coil "+" that will back feed to TFI
And then try to start

Wiring diagram here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/EDiagrams/files/Diagrams_StartIgnition83to88_2_3.JPG

The ignition switch cuts 12volt to red/green wire when key is in START and the brown/pink wire supplies the 12volts
So just to take that off the table, hot wire the system

TFI Modules did wear out, common failure point in these systems
Did new distributor come with new TFI Module?

Unfortunately it did not. I contacted my local advance auto and asked them if they could test it and they stated they can't. I thought they would be able to. But since they can't I bought a new TFI and just waiting now to get delivered and see if that's the possible culprit.