No start, but will run with starter fluid

[Cardriver333]

My 1989 ranger 2.9 v6 will only start with starter fluid. I took the fuel rail off and fuel is coming out of the injectors when I crank it, but it still won't run. The only thing that is unusual is that the fuel rail doesn't pressurize, there is fuel getting to the rail though.

There's gas in the tank, new fuel pump, new pressure regulator. When I had the regulator off I would engage the fuel pump and see fuel flowing into the rail, but when I put it back together and engage the pump a few times and push the Schrader valve nothing comes out. I have spark, Air, compression... everything it needs to run if I spray starter fluid

What now?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Sounds like it's not building pressure. You turn the key on with the regulator off... it should have blown fuel everywhere.

Have you put a fuel pressure gauge on it?

New pump doesn't mean it's a good pump.

 

[Uncle Gump]

And have you changed the fuel filter? Plugged solid? Ya never know...

 

[Cardriver333]

I haven't put a gauge on it, but I figure if nothing's coming out the pressure is too low. I haven't changed the filter, but I did unplug the line after the filter and fuel is flowing past the filter

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Fuel flow doesn't equal pressure. Get a gauge.

 

[thorsranger91]

Have you checked for leaks? Older trucks if there's a leak then you'll never build pressure. I had a fuel line rupture in an 80 c10. Never noticed because of mud packed in around it

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Does 89 run two fuel pumps?

 

[thorsranger91]

Does 89 run two fuel pumps?

You should check. I'm curious about the state of your inertia switch. I had an issue with one on a customer car. New fuel pump low pressure and it was a failing inertia it would carry enough voltage to get the initial jump but wouldn't carry enough to keep the pump running

 

[JerrySab]

Ok random thought, is vacuum line connected to FPR in good shape? I had an issue with hard starts/rich running, where it seemed FPR was failing. It was, but the vacuum line connecting FPR to intake plenum was collapsing as it was old and soft rubber. which (I believe) was causing the failure.