Whoops! Cooling Problem...

[1987rangerxlt]

Couldn't See!

I looked for my mirror on a handle but couldn't find it and went to a tool store to buy another. I still can't really see in there and don't know how small the slot is. Maybe it's a phillips! I'll try that.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Solution Found!

I ended up going to the tool store and finding a bit that fits the screw. If it wasn't for that other site http://www.fordrangerforum.com/electrical-tech/3143-88-ranger-ignition-module.html mentioning the size of the screws I would be screwed myself!

When looking through the tool bits that fit my ratchet I saw the 5.5 slotted bit listed on the back of a package of 100 piece bit set. So I bought it and am back in business!

Should I go back to work at 8:15pm? I'll just wait till tomorrow.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

On The First Day of Christmas

It's kind of drizzling out there and I hate to work in the rain but a man's got to do what a man's got to do...

I'll take off the ignition control module. Should I bother to take it to Autozone to test it? I'm pretty sure that is the problem because I didn't have any spark. What made me decide to replace that instead of the coil? I guess just because it was replaced once before.

Is there anybody out there? Just nod if you can hear me.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Dealership

I went to the dealership and was told that the 5.5 refers to the driver part of the bit but my set shows a different # for each bit. I'll have to try blowing it out to see the what it is, slot, phillips or hex.

 

[adsm08]

Ok, the TFI is held on by two screws. Generally speaking they are 5.5mm hex heads.

A very small percentage have a round head with a T15 (I think it's a 15, might be T20) torx boss.

There is a tool available at advance auto, costs about $5, and slips down in the hole, has the right socket on the end for the hex.


My advice, before replacing anything, is to take a test light and string it between the battery + terminal and the green/yellow wire at the coil (just back probe the connector) then have someone crank the engine. If everything else is working the light will flash rapidly, it may appear to just pulse dimly because of how fast it flashes. If it stays on or off solidly you have other issues.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Tests

I already bought the new ignition control module. And the new Fords put it in a heat sink: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/remote_tfi.htm

I overheated and I think it was probably damaged. I'm going to see if I can get it off and install the new one.

Thanks for the tips on the torx bits although it feel like the flat head bit fits when I try it by hand and I couldn't get either torx to fit in by hand. I just can't get the flat head bit to turn with the little rachet I bought at the tool store: http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-right-angle-screwdriver-92630.html

Maybe it's a hex with a slot in it for a flathead. A hex would probably be easier to turn.

 

[adsm08]

This is what I am talking about.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Thanks

That's what I thought you were talking about.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Solution Found!

I'll just remove the distributor and work on the bench!

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Took the Distributor Out!

I had some time today and got the distributor out to reveal the once hex heads. They're rounded off now. Maybe I can drill them out. Any better ideas?

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Special Tool

Turns out there are some flats further down in the hole and I need a special tool: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-GoogleMKP-_-pla-_-Tool+Sets-_-9SIA0PZ0629094

 

[a31ford]

`
NOTE: Actually, I have a distributor from a 2.9 sitting on the bench that has NOT the type you are looking at (as far as wrenches go).

It is called an "INVERTED TORX" and has a rounded head, the torx is "inside out" so to speak.

I don't think the Ford wrench is this, (I could be wrong) but the wrench that ADSM posted in his picture on your first page, is a inverted HEX.

ADSM ? correct me if I'm wrong....

Greg

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Still Won't Start!

I installed the ignition control module last night after taking out the distributor so I could access the screws.

I put the distributor in with the same position so the timing should be okay.

I put a spare spark plug in the #4 wire and stuck it between a sensor (pressure feedback sensor?) and the throttle body then cranked the engine but still no spark!

Do you think I should check the wiring harness?

 

[RonD]

I would check spark with a better ground.
If you have jumper cables clamp spare spark plug's base in the black cable and clamp the other end of the black cable to the batteries ground(neg.)

If you have a timing light just hook it to #4 wire and see if it lights up.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Timing Light

I hooked up an old timing light to the #4 wire, pulled the trigger while cranking the engine with no results.

Something must have gotten overheated.