my first ranger, starting problems

[cbr900racer]

I bought an 86 ranger 4x4 2.9L DIRT cheap. It ran fine when it was parked about 5 years ago with broke brake line. I trailer it home and try to get it started. It will start but runs like crap. Pulled plugs, it's running WAAAY rich. I have replaced the fuel filter, air charge sensor, and fuel pressure regulator. It's getting plenty of fire, just too much gas (I'm a bike mechanic and I'm totally lost with fuel injection). I'm in process of purchasing a used MAP sensor (dirt cheap). Any ideas? I "could" trailer it to a shop, but it's total PITA. Oh, "emissions" light goes off like it's supposed to. Oh, I relieved fuel pressure at the rail and fuel smells fresh.

 

[IMenriched]

trust that you've put fresh gas in.?
try pulling codes, for the process, check the tech Library tab or this link
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OBD_I.html

 

[cbr900racer]

It's got fresh fuel in it. (dumb question)...where is the diagnostic hookup? I've been a GM man all my life and have no idea where stuff is on this thing.

 

[BlackBII]

It's got fresh fuel in it. (dumb question)...where is the diagnostic hookup? I've been a GM man all my life and have no idea where stuff is on this thing.

Passenger side, behind or below the Power Dist. box.

 

[IMenriched]

It's got fresh fuel in it. (dumb question)...where is the diagnostic hookup? I've been a GM man all my life and have no idea where stuff is on this thing.

Don't mean to trip you too hard on the simple stuff. Just some times it is the simple stuff that gets in the way....Obviously you've covered it well.

yes, the dianostic hookup is located under the hood passanger side...looks a bit like a house shaped, prolly red in color...the tech library I think has a nice picture/drawing

 

[cbr900racer]

Don't mean to trip you too hard on the simple stuff. Just some times it is the simple stuff that gets in the way....Obviously you've covered it well.

yes, the dianostic hookup is located under the hood passanger side...looks a bit like a house shaped, prolly red in color...the tech library I think has a nice picture/drawing

My bad man! I meant my question about finding the hookup is the dumb question, not yours! Ask away! I've been wrenching on bikes lil over 20 years and get stumped by the dumbest things...(no fuel in tank, fuel turned off).. Anyways, I'm gonna get a jumper wire and see what happens. I just dumped a can of seafoam in there for good measure. Like I said before, fuel in rails smells fresh as can be. I'm hoping it is just the map sensor, I got one for 20 bucks

 

[cbr900racer]

Okay, I tried the hookup. I jumped sig-rtn to self test IN. Then I connected neg. wire of test light to selftest OUT and pos. wire to pos. cable on battery. No flashes. It also didn't flash the "emissions" light on instrument panel. So I guess that eliminates a code reading. I tried to start it and surprisingly it started and ran (depends on your definition of running..LOL) It sounds like it's on 4 maybe 5 cylinders. I unplugged the vacuum line from MAP sensor and it made no difference whatsoever. On a whim, I sprayed a lil carb cleaner down the vacuum line going to intake. It picked up for a second then had a HUGE backfire from the passenger side bank (dual exhaust). My next door neighbors are elderly so I shut it off to avoid getting on their nerves. Does any of this mean anything to anyone?

 

[IMenriched]

Look for vacuum leaks. Do you have true dual exhuast or does it seperate after the cat?

On getting codes, should of triggered at least and code 11 (all systems ok).
are you using a anolog volt/amp meter or a digital? Digital tend not pick up/react as well.

may want to check the fuel pressure...FPR?
Plugs and wire all good? cap & rotor??

 

[cbr900racer]

It was digital, I will borrow an analog from work. I replaced the FPR with new one (which doesn't guarantee it's good). I'll also have the module checked. I would think removing the vacuum line from MAP sensor would've made engine run different, no? First I gotta get some more plugs in her.