The Truck died on me yesterday. It ran great up unit this moment. I was driving in a parking lot in 1st gear 5 mph and it just lost power and died. Opening the hood I noticed break fluid from the master cylinder had burst out around the master cylinder. I dont think this is a issue though. I can crank the engine all day long but it does not even try to start.

I did have the Dash apart around the radio, I was going to Bestbuy to see if a guy there had the tools to pull my radio out and wantted to give him easy access if he could.

I have checked the Fuel switch shut off under the passenger side dash, it seems ok, I reset it several times to be sure.

I pulled one of the spark plugs wires and used a screwdriver on the manifold while cranking the engine, and seen it has very good spark.

It has 3/4 tank of gas, just filled it up the day before and only put a few miles on it.

I was told this is a pressurized fuel system, so not sure how or where to check the fuel system to see if its getting fuel.

I am guessing this is either Fuel or Electrical.

Other ideals are,
1. Timing Belt slipped or broke, how do I check this without taking the engine apart?

2. Fuel Pump, Where is the fuel pump? and can I crack a fuel line somewhere while cranking to check this?

3. Blown Fuse, if so, what Fuse?

4. Electrionic Brain of some sort, Where do I check this if it has one?

any input would be of great help!

Patriot

No takers on this?

I was told to check the schrader valve on the fuel rail. Can anyone tell me where this is at on the truck?

Also, where can I check the computer on here and any error codes it might give me?

You never stated what engine... I only know stuff about 2.9L fords.

2.9L? Lower intake manifold. Pop the hood, drivers side, follow fuel lines to fuel rail, and you'll see it. It has (should) a black cap over the valve. Looks like a tire valve. One thing I would look for is if the fuel is actually making into the cylinders. Just look at the plugs after you've started it. If you do have fuel, and the truck still isn't running, then you will have to check the fuel pressure.

Do you hear your pump come on? When you turn your key you should be able to hear it come on.

1. Timing Belt slipped or broke, how do I check this without taking the engine apart?
2.9L has a timing chain. Rarely break. 3.0L also timing chain. I believe the 2.3L has the timing belt. I am not sure of your engine.

If the timing belt slipped, it would fire, but in the wrong places. i.e. Back firing out of the intake, or firing when the exhaust valves are open.

This would be the last thing I would check.

2. Fuel Pump, Where is the fuel pump? and can I crack a fuel line somewhere while cranking to check this?

No, do not put a crack in your fuel line. You'll probably end getting engulfed in flames. :) 40 psi runs through your fuel line. The 1990 Califorina Rangers had 2 fuel pumps. I am not certain about the 1991. One in the tank, one on the frame rail.

3. Blown Fuse, if so, what Fuse?

4. Electrionic Brain of some sort, Where do I check this if it has one?

Yes, it has an ECC-IV system that controls the engine. Get a Chilton's and read on how to test for KOEO fault codes. (Key on Engine off). It can be done with an analog voltmeter or test light if you don't want to spend the $$$$$ on a code scanner.

Pete

Thanks Pete for this info.

It is a 2.3L 4 cylinder engine.

I am not at home atm, I will check the rest to see when I get off work. you gave me alot info to check on and some places to start.

I dont have a analog volt meter, but I have a test light and a Digital Volt Meter.

Thx again :)

Tom

ok I have made some checks

Found the schrader valve, It seems when I turn on the key, I hear the fuel pump run for about 1.5 sec and shut off. I then go to this valve and press it, it lets out about a 1/2 inch stream of fuel for a sec and stops. should more fuel come out?

Pretty weak was it? I always put a towel over mine, so I really can't tell you how much is to come out. I know there is quite a bit that does. You'll probably need a fuel pressure tester. A nice addition to the tool box. My 2.9L is 40 psi, I have no clue on the 2.3L. You may want to take a look in a Ranger manual at the auto parts store on your way out.

It does sound like it's low, but I didn't see it for myself. It could be several things if that's the case.

Pete

update!
After charging the battery, it now shoots about a 4 to 5 inch stream while cranking the engine. I also took the intake hose from the Air Cleaner off from the intake manifold. I sprayed Starter Fluid into the intake manifold while the truck was cranking. Nothing happend. At this point, I am guessing its a Timing Belt.

Can anyone else suggest anything else to check before I start taking the engine apart?

this may be a log shot, but, does that vehicle have a "crank" (crankshaft) sensor? I had a car that had the exact same symptoms, ended up being a crank sensor that is located in the tranny bell housing. If the sensor was bad, it wouldn't sense the engine cranking, and wouldn't allow the vehicle to start. Was about $50 to replace. Like I said, just a thought, don't know if the Ranger has one.

this may be a log shot, but, does that vehicle have a "crank" (crankshaft) sensor? I had a car that had the exact same symptoms, ended up being a crank sensor that is located in the tranny bell housing. If the sensor was bad, it wouldn't sense the engine cranking, and wouldn't allow the vehicle to start. Was about $50 to replace. Like I said, just a thought, don't know if the Ranger has one.

were you able to get spark to the sparkplug if the crank sensor was bad?
I am getting good spark.

I have not took the timming belt apart yet, so looking back here one more time and seen your post. I will give this a shot. How do you tell if its bad?

I found the problem

on the front of the timing belt cover near the top, there is a rubber plug that can be popped out to view the timming belt. I had someone crank the engine while I viewed the belt inside the inspection hole. I noticed that the belt did not move while the engine turned over. Now I knew forsure that it was the belt.

took me about 30 mins to remove the cover (must have been the easist cover that I had ever seen to take apart). I found that the teeth on the belt around the crank shaft where striped off.

So now I need to get a new belt. I still have one question?

What size socket do I need to remove the bottom flange on the crankshaft center (center bolt) to remove the belt and install a new belt???

for the matter of the old belt, I can just cut it off, but still need to install the new one.


Also, if anyone has a timing diagram or a web link to one would be very helpful.

Thanks you for all your support as well, It was very helpfull!