Strange electrical problem with 2.3T, anyone else had this happen?

[fix_or_repair_daily]

Hi, I put an '86 Merkur engine, harness, and computer into my '84 ranger, and it has a strange problem. When you go to start it, it will not fire up until you let off of the key as long as the engine is still spinning over. It doesn't matter how long you crank it unless you would crank it long enough it would flood, because it is still injecting fuel. When it starts, it runs great. I checked the factory manual for the Merkur, and according to it, it's getting power where and when it should be. I even tested it right at the TFI plug and it is getting power for sure.

I'm completely stumped on this one. Please let me know if you have any ideas on this one.

Thanks,
Josh

 

[shadetree]

Try changing the throttle position sensor. Also, make sure no vacuum leaks.shady

 

[Turbo-T]

I had the same problem with mine (84 also). When you turn the key to start some of the wires that are hot at 'on' go dead or suffer a voltage drop. To get around it I replaced my starter relay with an older one that had the second 'small' post meant to supply 12V to the coil when energized. I ran a wire from there to the wire that was going dead.