87 2.9 Cranks But No Spark

[criley]

I have read hundreds of posts and gotten some good ideas, but I am still about to lose my mind. So here is the story...My son has a 1987 Ranger STX 4x4 2.9liter with an automatic. It has been a nightmare for 2 years now, but today's problem is unique.

It began with a starting issue that turned out to be a cracked flywheel. The motor had numerous oil leaks so I pulled the engine to replacethe flywheel and gasket set. While it was apart I found a partially broken timing chain tensioner. All that was replaced and the motor reinstalled. It fired up immediately and ran better than it has for some time now. I ran it for about 15 minutes and shut it off, checked all the fluids, and restarted for another 5 or 10 minutes. All was well and my son was elated to be getting his truck back.

Went to dinner and came back 2 hours later. The starter solenoid made a horrible "growling" noise and would not crank. I put the charger on it, same problem. I then put a solenoid I had on it and it cranks likes there is no tomorrow but won't fire. No spark coming from the coil now. The coil is getting power, the ICM is getting power, all the fusible links from the solenoid check good.

I cannot find any fuses related to this circuit and the ignition switch seems OK. I am thinking coil or ICM, but can't be sure.

What am I missing before I just go throwing more money into this nightmare? I am the epitome of bad luck with this truck!!!!!!

Any help will be appreciated, even directions to a previous thread.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It might be the ignition module. How old are the cap, rotor, spark plugs, and cables?

 

[nova801428]

Wow, my truck has been hell for 2 years too.

 

[Stic-o]

There is a little box on the back of the distrubitor, change it and all your problems wiil go away. I had the same issue on my B2. Once it warmed up it shutt off, untill it cooled and then it would start again. It would cut power to the coil.

 

[criley]

Cap, rotor, plugs, and wires are a year old but only have about 1,000 miles on them since the truck sits more than it runs.

I appreciate the input, looks like I will be changing the ICM on the distributor.

Now all I need is a little green man that can actually reach back there!

 

[criley]

Well the ICM tested bad and I replaced it the next day. Truck started great...twice. Then no more spark again. Took the new ICM out and had it checked and it was fine. Started troubleshooting wires for the nth time when the truck decided to start running on it's own.

Guess I'll sit back and wait for it to stop again, or the next breakdown.

Thanks to all for the words of wisdom!

 

[nova801428]

When it doesn't start do the fuel pumps kick on? I had a similar problem. I would drive normally and all of a sudden die. The pumps wouldn't kick on. Then, I would wait like 5 minutes and it would work fine. Turns out a ground in between all the wire loom was barely attached. Good luck

 

[nova801428]

Also, I would check under the cap. Make sure the distributor isn't in pieces. I had a friend break his distributor on his 89. I would definitely check the plugs, they are a year old you know. Good luck

 

[Stic-o]

Check the fusable links next to the solinoid (pass side) one of them is for that sensor. In mine someone put in a regular fuse. If the ICM is bad, it will pop as soon as you turn the key. Maybe could have taken it out in the process.