Ranger Mechanic please HELP!! 89 ranger 2.9 ran like crap now won't start please help

[Miata1]

Hi, I have recently bought a 89 ranger xlt 4x4 in decent shape little to no rust and unabused through the mud. So far.. Anyhow this thing when I bought it did not run the fuel pump was shot common for ford way to go. Anyhow I swapped the pump and it still wouldn't power on unless jumped wires at the tester site so after doing this the pump came on and truck started. Sounded like it was running with a plugged cat. I attempted to drive this thing home an hour away and with the pedal to the rug she wouldn't climb over 70kph and that's after a hill. Even in neutral floor it and revs slow like exhaust is plugged. I finally get home. I pulled the exhaust and cat is mint. Rest of exhaust is also fine. Ok so I changed the fuel filter, still no diff, hmm. Ok so I check fuel pressure. Perfect 35at idle 40 when crack the throttle. Ok hmm. I replace the fuel pump relay as well as the inertia switch as the pump still won't come on un jumped. After doing this nvr made a difference. Still have to jump it for pump power. I then power washed the engine and went to bed. Get up next day and now the truck won't start at all and not even catch like its trying. I goto the wrecker grabbed a coil and map sensor tried both no difference. Truck just cranks and no start. I also notice when my key is OFF the battery light comes on. Key forward it goes out. If I unplug my 02 sensor and it Hugo fuse the batt light goes out. I tried a new 02 sensor and same deal. Please and info/ideas greatly appreciated.

 

[GentleRF]

Sounds a bit like the TFI module for the no start/spark issue and the ECM for the fuel pump. It could even be both. Check for voltage at the injectors then a flickering light with a test lamp on the wire opposite the red one on the injector. If no flicker, pull, clean and reseat the plug to the ECM. If still no flicker, replace the ECM.

Then if it still won't start, check for spark before buying any parts.
If no spark, then get a TFI module and the removal/installation tool. This tool has a very thin wall socket on one end and a Torx bit on the other. You will have to be leaning over the radiator and the upper manifold plenum to reach behind the distributor to access to retaining screws for the module.

I hope this helps.

 

[Miata1]

Ok thanks ill give it a try

 

[Miata1]

Ok so i checked for spark and there is plenty of it. Check engine lights in key in and goes out while cranking so I assume ecu relay is fine allthough I did try another. There is proper fuel pressure so it seems as if the injectors aren't firing. The engine did run untill I power washed it and now won't even cough but there is spark. The fuel pump and relay and inertia switch all replaced. All grounds cleaned. And the ecu checked for corrosion and is fine. So I'm left with distributor? Ecu? Please any info greatly aporeciatrd

 

[Miata1]

Oh also. The batt light did go out when I unruffled the 3 wire alt plug... Is the regulator no good? Or ecu again?

 

[RonD]

You seem to have a few threads/posts going about the same issues, better to stick with one, that way all info is in the same place.

Alternator/charging is a separate system, no ECU connection.

Try spraying some starting fluid in the intake and see if engine fires, that will tell you if its fuel or spark that is the issue

 

[Miata1]

Problem solved!!

Just a follow up posting to share the solution . Turns out from sitting a couple years the distributor had accumulated some corrosion on the internal pip sensor as well as the signal tabs. Cleaned all and soaked with wd40 few hours cleaned again sprayed some fluid film to protect and away she goes. Thanks to all suggestions

 

[RonD]

Nice work, thanks for posting the fix