91 Ranger, Fuel Delivery Problem - Ford Motor Forums

fast74ranger · #1 (**permalink**) 09-26-2005, 05:53 AM

Sup y'all. A friend of mine has a 1991 Ranger with the 2.3L 4 cylinder. He has replaced the fuel pump in it twice already. The other day, while driving, the truck instantly died on him. It refused to start. It was towed back to his house and the fuel pump and fuel filter were replaced. I know first hand the fuel pump was installed correctly since I was the supervisor with a beer in hand. Figuring all was well I left before he finished up and found out later the truck still will not start.

So heres my couple questions:
*Has anyone else experienced this on the 2.3 and what was the problem?
*What is the likelyhood of a bum fuel pump out of the box?

Now heres a couple key points to mill over:
*I havent yet been back over there to investigate it.
*The truck turns over fine, but there is no smell of fuel in the exhaust.
*The pump can be heard engaging in its usual pitiful whine.
*The Collision Fuel Pump Shut Off has been checked.
*There is ample spark
*According to my friend, all basics like reassembly, fuel filter, air filter check out.

Any input you guys may have would be helpful.

Thanks!
Jeremy

colorado815 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-26-2005, 09:23 PM

First of all hey Fast where you been hidding out at ?.
Good to see ya back.
Fuel pressure can be tricky. Is there anything in the line. Is the line free of any kinks ?.
As for the pump. Ya unfortunitly they can come out of the box bad, or border line bad then go out after install. Seen that happen a few times at PepBoys.

Good luck

tbolt · #3 (**permalink**) 09-26-2005, 09:43 PM

Hey fast74ranger. First thing I would check is the fuel pressure. Should be around 35-40psi. Also when doing this I would bypass the fuel pump switch.

SCrew · #4 (**permalink**) 09-26-2005, 09:53 PM

I don't know that much about Rangers.....have had a couple 2.3s though(both carbed)
Is this truck carbed or FI??
If carbed, check and make sure another inline filter hasn't been added on....if so..clogged??
I know this is obvious......is there enough fuel in the tank?
I know it's not good to run a pump long when almost out of fuel.........fuel is like a lubricater...not enough & pump runs hot, ie. bad.
Or, maybe, not enough for pump to pick up??
If fuel injected, check the injectors themselves. Could've gotten clogged with bad fuel along with pump?
Some FI vehicles can't have gas cap off or open to operate right....is cap on??
If we keep throwin' things out there the solution will turn up! lol

tbolt · #5 (**permalink**) 09-26-2005, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCrew-EC

I don't know that much about Rangers.....have had a couple 2.3s though(both carbed)
Is this truck carbed or FI??
If carbed, check and make sure another inline filter hasn't been added on....if so..clogged??
I know this is obvious......is there enough fuel in the tank?
I know it's not good to run a pump long when almost out of fuel.........fuel is like a lubricater...not enough & pump runs hot, ie. bad.
Or, maybe, not enough for pump to pick up??
If fuel injected, check the injectors themselves. Could've gotten clogged with bad fuel along with pump?
Some FI vehicles can't have gas cap off or open to operate right....is cap on??
If we keep throwin' things out there the solution will turn up! lol

Thanks SCrew-EC, I always forget the obvious, leave it to me to tear a fuel system apart and then ask if there is fuel in the tank..lol

Also the 91 2.3 rangers were fuel injected.

fast74ranger · #6 (**permalink**) 09-27-2005, 10:34 PM

Awesome replies guys! Thanks! Good to see you guys too Colorado! I've been workin my arse off lately.

So I formed a quick checklist based on all of your suggestions. I checked everything out from the filter, to fuel pressure but all seemed OK. So while turning the engine over it dawned on me... This thing doesnt sound right. It turns over fine, but its got the "Hollow Cylinder" sound. So after pulling back the ever so sturdy timing chain cover (sarcasim there) I indeed found a sloppy timing belt just laying on the upper pulley. NICE!

So, off comes the timing cover amongst many other peripherals in order to gain complete access to the timing belt. In the process of removing the fan, a frog must have gotten in there because the fan jumped straight into the radiator and poked a hole... JOY!

I called around and found a timing belt for $8.95 and it should be here Wednesday. In the mean time, I have a small radiator hole to solder up.

So, again, I turn to you, my ford bretherin... I have NEVER done a timing belt before. Chains, yes. Rubberized timing apparatus, no. So if theres any tips you may have, that'd be well appreciated! I think I know where the upper pully is supposed to point, but the book I have isnt clear on how to position the crankshaft. Currently Im just assuming TDC on #1.

Thanks you guys!
Jeremy

SCrew · #7 (**permalink**) 09-27-2005, 10:47 PM

If I remember right.....there is a mark on top pulley points down, mark on bottom faces up...TDC. Someone correct me if wrong!?

P.S. Those fans will getcha every time!!

colorado815 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-28-2005, 11:01 PM

Good to hear that the problem has been solved.

fast74ranger · #9 (**permalink**) 09-29-2005, 04:47 PM

There is a mark on the upper pulley that I believe is supposed to line up with an indicator on the belt inner housing. The lower pully however is really small and if it does have a mark, I cant see it. Im still goin with the whole, "pull the #1 plug and go TDC" thingy until I hear otherwise. I think I'll try to get some pics for ya with my nice new digital camera.

Jeremy

colorado815 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-29-2005, 10:51 PM

New digital camera- What better way to break it in than to share shots with your fellow gearheads......

fast74ranger · #11 (**permalink**) 10-06-2005, 01:18 PM

Well I just wanted to let you all know my friend fixed his truck before I had a chance to go over and help him. He hasnt started it yet, though. I think he's a bit nervous about his work on the timing belt. So I know I said I'd take some pictures for y'all so what I've done here is just snapped a quick picture of the truck so you can see. Thank you so much for your replies and when the truck blows up from a bad timing belt install I'll start a new thread and title it "Friends dont let friends get greasy". LOL

fast74ranger · #12 (**permalink**) 10-06-2005, 01:19 PM

Well I started it! It actually runs really good! HOOAH!

colorado815 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-06-2005, 02:55 PM

New thread " Friends let Friends........."
Looks to be a great truck......

fast74ranger · #14 (**permalink**) 10-09-2005, 03:20 AM

Its actually been a pretty awesome truck. He's the original owner on it. He bought it brand spankin new in Hawaii and when he moved over here he had it shipped. Other than the fuel pump problem and the timing belt its been virtually problem free! I think it has 150,000 miles on it now... Im suprised the timing belt lasted that long.

Jeremy

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: