Whoops! Cooling Problem...

[1987rangerxlt]

I had a cooling system problem and was always adding water. Finally, I had some free time so I decided to change the radiator hoses, thermostat and antifreeze.

One problem, I forgot to put the new cap on and took it for a test drive. I popped the hood in the parking lot and noticed my mistake so I bought some distilled water and went across the street to buy a cheap cap and when I got home I added more antifreeze and the good cap I had purchased earlier.

Hopefully I didn't do too much damage. The current ratio isn't 50/50 anymore.

 

[adsm08]

Where do you live?

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Where?

I'm in California.

Today I drove it 60 miles round trip without a problem.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Stalled

Took it for a drive this morning only to have it die while I was going through the intersection and it coasted to the second driveway where some kind people helped me push it off the street. I had driven less than 10 miles. It cranks but won't start.

I noticed one of the red plastic vacuum lines that seems to go from the air cleaner to the throttle body was broken.

I walked a couple of miles home, got my Ranger book, a gas can, a screwdriver and tried to prime the engine by putting gas directly in the throttle body after removing the air hose. It didn't work so I rode home to get some clip leads or a spark plug wrench to test the spark. Maybe I'll bring some sort of spring spreader so I can get the gas line off to test the fuel pump. The book also mentions fuel system contamination. Could someone have put sugar in my tank?

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Gas Station

I decided not to leave it at the gas station and towed it home.

I was having too much trouble with little things like the wrong length extension to take out the spark plug to test the spark.

I didn't have any luck checking the fuel system either.

 

[RonD]

1987 2.9l, 2.3l?

Added gas but no start mean spark problem.
When you turn on key do you hear fuel pump run for a second or two?

Do you have a timing light to check for spark?
Or an extra spark plug to connected to wire and ground?

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Genious!

That is a good idea, just use an extra spark plug. I already towed it home and could take out a spark plug now.

I try that when day breaks.

 

[chillidog10129]

What engine? 2.0l, 2.3l, 2.9l? carb or FI? Hip Shot guess with out this info would be the ignition control module. I had one do the same thing to me drive it ten miles and quit no spark, also something else to check is the main harness behind the engine. The wires break and cause a no start condition.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Engine

This is a 2.9L, fi.

I checked for spark with the extra plug I had laying around and didn't see anything.
I pulled the coil wire from the distributor, noticed a hole in the elbow that connects to the cap and tried to check for spark by putting a piece of metal in it and setting it next to ground but saw no spark.

You're probably right on the ignition control module. Back in the early 90's this truck stalled on the side of the road in Thousand Oaks, CA and some guy named Darby pulled over, diagnosed it as the ignition control module, and fixed it. Are you out there Darby?

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Different Kinds of Control Modules

It looks like there are two types of ingnition control modules.

http://easyautodiagnostics.com/ford_ignition_module/distributor_mounted_module_1.php

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Grey

When Darby replaced my original Ignition Control Module I saved the old one and see that it is gray.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Ignition Control Module Arrived

It showed up on the porch the night before last but I didn't put it in yet. I bought some dielectric grease. Tomorrow is another day.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Right Angle Screwdriver

I couldn't fit a little screwdriver in there so I typed "right angle screwdriver" into a search engine and saw this at Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-right-angle-screwdriver-92630.html

Is that how everyone else got theirs out? I'm still not having any luck. Maybe an air ratchet would help.

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Solution!!!

Here's the correct way to do it: http://www.fordrangerforum.com/electrical-tech/3143-88-ranger-ignition-module.html

 

[1987rangerxlt]

Special Socket

That last link says a special socket is required to get those 5.5mm screws out. Does anyone know if they are phillips, slotted, or hex?