Crank no start

[Eli Warnke]

I got an 86 ranger 2.9l, its getting fuel to the fuel rail and is getting spark, but still wont fire, it will fire up if i spray starting fluid in it, any ideas, thankyou

 

[RonD]

Could be a few things

In a 1986 model the spark is a separate module, TFI module so doesn't need the computer to start spark working
The Computer just runs the injectors

Does your 1986 2.9l have a CEL(check engine light), 2.9l should, but was hit and miss in the 1980's
If it does then it should come on with key on, that means computer is powered up
Then when cranking engine over it should go OFF, that means its getting a Timing Pulse(PIP) from the TFI Spark module
If it doesn't go off then its a wiring issue, between TFI and computer, computer doesn't "know" to start injectors until it gets a timing pulse from TFI

All the fuel injectors should get 12volts with key on, there is a red wire that daisy chains from one injector to the next, that's the 12volt wire
If you have a test light(volt meter) check any injector that's easy to get to to make sure it has 12volts key ON
The computer grounds the injectors to open them, just FYI

Computer issue
It's behind the passenger side kick panel
Pull it out and open it up, have a look at the circuit board, especially the Capacitors, there will be 2 maybe 3, round cylinders that stick up, blue or black
These leak after 20+ years
Under $5 to replace

Also have a look at the 60 pin connector for corrosion, water can leak down in that area and cause all sorts of issues

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I own an 86 2.9 Ranger. In Canada at least, there is no CEL in that year. I had to argue with the tech doing a salvage inspection. I won.

 

[bobbywalter]

I own an 86 2.9 Ranger. In Canada at least, there is no CEL in that year. I had to argue with the tech doing a salvage inspection. I won.

Well.....it must not have been peg.

 

[2trux]

I have an 88 which was doing the same sort of thing. Replacing the MAP sensor got it running again. I have a thread " https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/88-ranger-code-41.191441/ " which talks about problems I had and the solution.

 

[Eli Warnke]

thanks everyone, turned out to just be a ground that disconnected

 

[Munchie1615]

Eli,
Which ground was disconnected? I know I'm bringing this thread back from the dead, but I've been chasing a situation on my 1990 2.9L and I'm going crazy trying to figure it out. Planning on doing a write up and seeing what everyone thinks here soon. I've done a lot of testing and no luck so far. Curious as which ground you found to cause your issue since mine was running good and then all of a sudden stalled and I haven't been able to get it to start since then. Just cranks and turns over, but no start

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Eli,
Which ground was disconnected? I know I'm bringing this thread back from the dead, but I've been chasing a situation on my 1990 2.9L and I'm going crazy trying to figure it out. Planning on doing a write up and seeing what everyone thinks here soon. I've done a lot of testing and no luck so far. Curious as which ground you found to cause your issue since mine was running good and then all of a sudden stalled and I haven't been able to get it to start since then. Just cranks and turns over, but no start

Thats exactly what my 87 did when the ignition module croaked.