• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

2.3L ('83-'97) Timing belt broke& No start mystery Struggles. Please help!!


Joined
Nov 23, 2025
Messages
4
Points
1
City
Hotchkiss
State - Country
CO - USA
Vehicle Year
1991
Vehicle
Ford Ranger
Drive
2WD
Engine
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Transmission
Manual
Hello, I need help from the brilliant hive mind!
Ok, so 91 Ranger 2.3 was sitting for 10 years. My father in law bought it. Was running fine.
Couple days later, dies on him, first trip to town less than 10 miles of driving since he purchased.
I flat towed him home. Pressure gauge on fuel rail. Less than 20 psi and dropped near zero right away. Replaced fuel pump and filter. Siphoned old gas out. 17 gal fresh fuel in. Pressure gauge reads 35ish and hold pressure pretty well.
Still no start. Pulled plugs. They were trashed. Replaced all 8 plugs and wires (dual spark system). Confirmed excellent spark on passenger side coil.
Still no start. Peaked behind timing cover. Oh look, broken timing belt. Replaced timing belt, and tensioner. Marks line up on crank and cam.
Oil pump doesn't need to be timed right?
Turn engine over by hand plenty of times, marks continue to line up every time.
Still no start.
Also, something keeps draining the battery all the way dead..
I have many many hours into this truck and I'm starting to loose faith in myself.. please help..

My logic tells me I'm not 180 out.
Confirmed TDC by viewing #1 through spark plug hole and it lines up perfect with TD mark on timing cover.
Checked that plug wires are properly routed in order from coil to plugs.
 
Should I try a starting fluid test?
Is there a way to test icm?
Oh yeah, is the CEL supposed to help me verify the Crank Position Sensor somehow. Will that work if I don't have the serpentine belts or cooling system hooked up?
 
Have you checked all the fuses and relays ?
 
I'm surprised a belt that sat 10 years lasted that long before it broke.
Try pulling the #1 plug, sticking a screwdriver in the hole and rocking the engine back and forth by hand to verify the TDC mark is correct before getting too involved.
 
I'm surprised a belt that sat 10 years lasted that long before it broke.
Try pulling the #1 plug, sticking a screwdriver in the hole and rocking the engine back and forth by hand to verify the TDC mark is correct before getting too involved.
Yes confirmed TDC mark already, thanks
 
Have you checked all the fuses and relays ?
I have. But at this point, worth a double check I think. Thanks.
Would everything pertinent be In the power center under the hood? Or do you think i should I check everything in the one under the dash driver side also?
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Event Coverage

Events TRS Was At This Year

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

Become a Supporting Member:

Or a Supporting Vendor:

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

TRS Latest Video

TRS Merch

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Ranger Sponsors


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad


Product Suggestions

Back
Top