I set it on fire

[sheep herder]

@PetroleumJunkie412 Why the stock grind cam?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

There are several stock cams for the 2.9 available, the two in the USA were the Ranger and Merkur cams. Ranger's grind is for more of a flat torque curve, while Merkur's gains you a few ponies on the top end.

The point of the build is what can be done with a mostly stock engine with heads that are DIY re-worked; its a proof-of-concept of what can be done with junkyard parts and good heads. So, stock cam was somewhere I could save a few bucks and utilize what Ford shoved in there from the beginning.

Aside from that, performance will still be in line with what they are capable of on an easy build that only requires the crankcase to be openeed for an oil pump. Everything else I've tried to keep in line with factory stuff. They built these things friggin stout from the factory - forged crank, forged rods, tough-as-nails dish top cast pistons, etc... The head issues they experienced seem to be more related to employee cocaine use rather than a poor design.

Dyno will tell all

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Okay...I am at my wits end with this one. bought an 88 Ranger with a nice little lift on it. Guy said no compression, then described what happened...sounded to me like a fuel pump issue. Consulted with a buddy (for a trailer and what I should offer) and settled at $750. Change out the fuel pump, drives decent (for having 3 tires that were sunk to the ground and haven't been changed out) has a little stutter when I put it in 3rd, (once again, not trusting the tires so not taking it on far adventures yet). Park it at home, and poof...doesn't start. Keep in mind this thing was filthy on the inside when i got it...i decided that now was the best time to pull the upper intake, intake, valve covers...everything apart and cleaned it...put everything back together...and something didn't go right. A storm approached and I was just Jonesing to get it running. In my haste I did not check if the fuel injectors were seated. I smelled fuel, and asked my wife to see if she could see it when I turned the key to the "on" position. she said no, and as soon as I cranked over...FLASH...my engine was on fire. one sensor and all of the fuel injector wires...done for...so I went to bed...tail between my legs...fast forward a week, and I have redone the entire upper half....AGAIN....and now I am getting a poof out of my exhaust every now and then...but no turn over. the fuel pump is not priming...sometimes...I am flirting with the idea of a 302 swap...but I really just want to get it running. Here is what I have done so far:

Removed the valve covers (x2) and Valve Cover Gaskets (x2)
Upper intake Manifold (x2+) and gaskets
Put new grommets and cleaned the Fuel injectors
Fuel pressure regulator
intake manifold (cleaned 2 times due to fire extinguisher on the first go)
spark plugs
distributor
fuel pump
fuel pump relay

I did also paint them yellow...the plan is to get the tonka yellow on the outside, and put Tonka decals on it...I am sure pictures are fun...I suck at the before after stuff but here is some pictures. I could use whatever help yall could give me.
1988 Ford Ranger 2.9L V6 OHV

I am thinking of trying to go get a new wiring harness because this one seems a little odd..plus they have a battery kill switch in a very dumb spot. Also going to check the timing again...once again...i need an excuse to tell the wife I need more money for my truck...but not going too crazy. Thanks
Bryan

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What do you have for fuel pressure?

Is the ignition working?

If you have fuel, fire and compression you should have a bang. That minor of a fire wouldn't have effected compression so it is one of the other two.

Also make sure your new distributor isn't 180* off. TFI modules inside the distributor can drive you nuts too...

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Zero sense in a 302 swap when more then likely its a simple issue aith your 2.9.

Try getting it to fire on ether.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Zero sense in a 302 swap when more then likely its a simple issue aith your 2.9.

And if it is a wiring issue or fuel delivery issue you are going to have to deal with it either way...

 

[rusty ol ranger]

And if it is a wiring issue or fuel delivery issue you are going to have to deal with it either way...

As well as new motor mounts, new trans, exhaust, etc etc.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

As well as new motor mounts, new trans, exhaust, etc etc.

Actually new stock mounts with adapter plates is the route I would go but yeah... been there done that.

If @it_was_an_accident wants info on going down that rathole I can elaborate more on it.

No matter what it would make the most sense to get the 2.9 to run and know what works with the rest of the truck before doing anything else IMO.

 

[Woodpusherpro]

I know it's only been a few days, but do you have an update?

 

[it_was_an_accident]

That's a nice looking truck... I would just do away with your headaches and drop the 302 in it. If your gonna go "tonka truck" then that old 2.9 wouldn't compare to v8 power and sound.

Okay...i am sold on the 302...what all am I going to need (other than a buddy with a cherry picker) and an engine (what years should I look for/and with a transmission (or will my current trans bolt up). I know there was a thread on all of this...im just technologically disabled...and would like some step by step...thanks in advance...ive changed basically everything in the fuel system...im...just over it not working.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Lol. Take advice from literally the least mechanically capable guy on the forum.

 

[it_was_an_accident]

So the latest update (keep in mind I am trying to do this on my own due to being new to an area, and not having many buddys around. So...at some point my secondary fuel pump went out. Changed it out and have fuel pressure again...still no (good) fire. I am thinking it is electrical...but an having issues finding an engine wiring harness for it...if someone has one I will pay...I wanted to re-wire the vehicle because the person the DIYed it mangled a lot of the wiring prior to my fire.

As far as the lack of spark...i believe I am getting really good at finding the exhaust stroke. My mind would be put at ease if I just got a new wiring harness (even a full one at this point). But I found a 2.9 in 1 salvage yard...3 weeks ago...and havent seen one since

 

[it_was_an_accident]

Lol. Take advice from literally the least mechanically capable guy on the forum.

I don't know anyone here...but I have a few people pushing me toward the 302

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Every time I look at at the thread title and your avatar name I giggle....

 

[Dirtman]

Engines is goes vroom.

 

[it_was_an_accident]

Every time I look at at the thread title and your avatar name I giggle....

I had to find some humor in my situation