No cold start - high idle - 89 Ranger

[cecoam]

I just picked up an 89 Ranger for cheap. I new it would need some work but the truck ran fine yesterday during the test drive and home (100 miles). Went out this AM and wouldn't start. (Started it several times yesterday)

Here is what I know. 2.3L engine. PO said it needed a MAP sensor. It idles high (1600 rpm). It accelerates fine (surprisingly well for this old of a 4 cylinder). The CEL is on at startup and went off after about 20-30 minutes on the road. This AM the starter was turning the over engine over fine but the engine only made a few pathetic attempts to fire and did not run. I didn't try very long - just jumped on my bike and went to school. The temp gauge does not work and an auxiliary gauge the PO put in the cab.

I'm thinking it may need a coolant temp sensor? I'm fearing the old one will be corroded in - any suggestions on how to free a stuck one? Any other suggestions? I'm so new to this truck I really don't know what to search for and I don't want to go changing parts with no direction as I need to keep costs down on this truck as I bought it to be a parts runner and temporary transport for a 4x4 project I am working on.

Thanks
Clayton

[cecoam]

Update from yesterday. I changed the MAP sensor. Truck is still hard starting but with some persistence got it fired up. It stumbled and died the first time but then fired and idle.

Cold it now idles about 800 rpm. When warm the idle creeps up to 1000 rpm. It now has a big loping idle but holds steady.The temperature gauge seems to work now but stays pretty cold (didn't replace the sender as I couldn't find it) Acceleration seems a little sluggish but overall the truck ran ok.

Also, what seemed like a strong starter now seems like it may be free-spinning and not engaging very well.

Its seems I need to test the starter and will do that this weekend when I can get the truck on stands. Also I plan to clean the IAC. Are there any other sensors or controllers I should check for the rough idle?

Thanks
Clayton