Did I make a mistake????

[Frogman46]

OK here goes. I recently bought a 1992 2.3 standard cab manual trans Ranger that on occasion dies while driving. No apparent reason, just stops running.
The things that have been done are; new water pump, new timing belt, new ignition module, new computer, new thermostat, new fuel pump, complete hand washing of inside of fuel tank ( removed bed for access) and new fuel filter.
When the truck is running it sometimes acts like its missing. Tested fuel delivery and pressure, all good. No indicated overheat.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[straycat]

Wrong place to post, Bro. Did you check the plugs and wires?

 

[Frogman46]

Did I make a mistake ????

Yes I posted on the wrong forum.
Yes all ignition parts were either checked or replaced.
All I have to do to restart is turn off ignition for 2-3 seconds with the clutch out and it restarts.

 

[Mark_88]

Welcome to TRS~!

Could be a loose wire...but you'd loose more than just the engine running...headlights and all...

Could be a wonky inertia switch...do you happen to hit a bump when this happens? Having the clutch out and the engine starts could also indicate the neutral bypass switch is wonky...unless you've already bypassed that...

Anyway...could be a number of things but it does sound electrical in nature...

 

[josuegdl]

wd-40 on all the conectors you´ll find help a lot!

 

[Frogman46]

Sorry gave the yall the wrong idea. When going down the road with the truck in gear, all that needs to be done is turn the key off and back on and the truck will start. No need to use the starter. I bypassed the inertial switch for a test run and it made no difference. Did the shake test on all reachable connections, no help. Sprayed carb cleaner on all vacuum connections, no joy. Reinstalled the original computer, same problem.
The reason I changed the fuel pump and frame fuel filter was there was about a pint of water in the tank.
Is there another component in the fuel system that would be messed up by water???

 

[RonD]

Fuel pump relay?

That can stick open, cycling the key can get it working again.

Fuel relay usually has a Green base(plug), and there are three relays in a row, Tan is the EEC relay, the third is the WOT relay.
On the fender or under the power box.

Check EEC relay as well, if that opens injectors stop instantly, where if the fuel relay opens fuel pressure would start to go down and you would feel like you were running out of gas, a stumbling of the engine, not an abrupt dieing like you describe.
The abruptness means electrical, so injectors shut off or spark does.

 

[Frogman46]

I left that out of the list. But yes the fuel pump relay was one of the first things changed. No joy. Mass airflow sensor cleaned with Auto Zone specific cleaner.
The one thing that hasn`t been addressed is the throttle position sensor.

 

[RonD]

I don't think the TPS(throttle position sensor) could cause the engine to stall, return to idle yes, but they are easy to test with a volt or ohm meter.
They work the same as a light switch dimmer or volume control, turned one way the ohms go up, the other way ohms go down, or if connected with key on turned one way voltage goes up the other way voltage goes down.
What you are looking for when testing is a jump in ohms or voltage, in either direction, so a dead spot, if working the TPS should have steady up and down numbers, no jump.

 

[Frogman46]

Thank you. At work, will check this evening at home. I have a Fluke 87, so should be able to get good readings.

 

[gw33gp]

Have you checked out the ignition switch for possible malfunction. It is possible the switch contacts are oxidized or contaminated and losing electrical continuity. Cycling may be refreshing the surface to provide good contact again.

 

[Frogman46]

No haven`t checked the ignition switch but that makes good sense. I have to go down to Austin, TX today (Sat) for my Granddaughter`s National Guard family day. It will be Sunday before I can get back to the truck.

Many thanks for all the help I have received here.