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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
‘86 Ford
Ranger, Will Not Run
Q: I have an ‘86 Ford Ranger with a fuel injected 2.9 lit
engine. I use injector cleaner every tank full of gas. I had it parked
for two months while replacing the transmission. I drove it for three
days then it would not start. I sprayed carb cleaner into the throttle
opening and it started and ran, then nothing. I can get it to start with
the starter fluid by spraying it into the throttle port, though it only
runs until the starting fluid burns then shimmies and dies, what flow
path should I take to troubleshoot this? Do you think it is the fuel filter,pump,the
jets, or some electrical problem,maybe an air/fuel flow mixture component?
A: You’ve
proven that the engine isn’t getting enough fuel. So you can rid yourself
of that starter fluid before a fire gets started!. Have someone listen
at the gas tank when the ignition is first turned on. There should be
a buzz or hum from the fuel pump for 3 to 5 seconds then it will shut
down. If nothing is heard then there is an electrical supply problem or
the pump’s bad. If the pump runs then you have to check the fuel pressure.
If you look closely at the fuel rail that supplies the fuel injectors
you will see what looks like a metal tire valve stem and cap. This is
the test port for checking fuel pressure and should be in the area of
40 psi when the key is turned on. Once you pin down your problem and make
the needed repairs, stop using the fuel injector cleaner in every tank
of gas. That stuff will cause more long term costly damage than you could
imagine.
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