87 ranger won't run

[redhoss]

I've got a 87 ranger 2.9l v6 4x4 that starts and runs for a couple of seconds then dies. I think it my have bad gas or a bad fuel pump. Does anybody have any suggestions.

[Psychopete]

Originally Posted by redhoss

I've got a 87 ranger 2.9l v6 4x4 that starts and runs for a couple of seconds then dies. I think it my have bad gas or a bad fuel pump. Does anybody have any suggestions.

Scan the codes. It could be a lot of different things..

http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/

Check the fuel pressure w/ engine running and not running. Should be around 40 PSI. It takes a special tool that hooks to the schrader valve on the fuel rail. A quick check, would be to take the vacuum line off of the fuel pressure regular. If there is fuel in that line, the FPR is toast.

Pete

[redhoss]

I just changed the fuel filter and the gas going into it had rust in it. So I'm going to take of both fuel tanks and clean them. The thing is I don't no how to drain them. It will run for about two seconds then quit.

[Psychopete]

Originally Posted by redhoss

I just changed the fuel filter and the gas going into it had rust in it. So I'm going to take of both fuel tanks and clean them. The thing is I don't no how to drain them. It will run for about two seconds then quit.

Sounds like it might be building fuel pressure slowly, enough to run, but then something is holding it back to keep the engine running. You might try to spary something flamable into the upper intake plenum to keep it going. If you can keep it going, it's most certainly a fuel delivery problem.

I usually syphon the fuel. You can get a tool to do it for you, or just get a long clear hose, suck the fuel until it's about 1.5" away from the end of the hose, put your thumb over the end of the hose so the fuel doesn't drop back into the tank, then lower the hose lower than the bottom of the tank. The end of the hose MUST be lower than the tank. This will create a vacuum, and will suck most of the fuel from the tank. I wouldn't reccommend that way though, I've gotten a little fuel in my mouth before, plus the fumes are really bad for you. It would probably be easiest to get a syphoning tool, but I was just letting you know of your options . You could also run the fuel pumps until most of the fuel is out. Why they even used metal that could rust in the fuel system, I'll never understand. There might be some filter on the fuel pump assembly, but I am not sure. My fuel system in my 88 has never given me a lick of trouble, so I am not 100% fimiliar with it. Other cars I've worked on have had these filters, with the addition to the fuel filter.

Pete

[redhoss]

I found out that the gas was ok the rust was from the fuel filter. I put a new fuel pump on it and it started right up, but its make this loud cliking noise. I think that the one of the cylinders is bad. When you shut it off something keeps running for a couple of minutes. The noise is coming for a box on the left hand side of motor there is a pipe running it to it from the Fuel Injecter. Thought maybe someone might be able help me.

[iprogcnc]

My last truck was a 89 Ranger xtra-cab 4x4 w/2.9 . I found out at the time that these engines had a notorious problem with cracked heads in fact both cracked on me! Ford actually redesigned the heads with heavier material around the cam posts. I purchased two about 5 yrs
ago for about 500 bucks and rebuilt the lower end and the motor ran flawless another 100k till I bought my new 01 Ranger. I would suggest
I you check this out or have someone look at the engine who can tell you if you have this problem! One thing to look for is over heating or antifreeze getting in the crankcase!