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Stalls at idle?

Tiny
DALE LEONARD
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 FORD RANGER
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 130,000 MILES
I have the truck listed above that broke a timing belt. I installed a new belt, tensioner, fuel pump ignition coils, crankshaft sensor, new hub, plugs, wires, water pump, thermostat and housing, new coolant sensor. It cranks, fires for a few seconds and quits. Plugs are fuel wet and sooty when checked but getting spark. Injectors have a good pulse Is my timing 180 off?
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Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 AT 10:32 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi Dale,

This sounds more like a failed IAC. Please see the attached documents for more detail. Basically, it is responsible for allowing a proper amount of air in when starting and idling.

I attached the procedure on how to replace it and the guide below explains what they are in more detail.

Also, if your plugs are wet, you want to change them out. This also points to an incorrect air/fuel ratio which is what you have with the IAC issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-idle-speed-control-motor-iac
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Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 AT 6:07 PM
Tiny
DALE LEONARD
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Okay, I changed the IAC, to the tune of $72.00, and this did not correct the problem. I changed the plugs, re-checked the ignition wires to the coils, checked for power to the IAC-okay. The engine cranks, catches for a second or two and will not start. How can I tell if I am 180 degrees off on the timing belt installation? I have over $400.00 in new parts and still do not have a running truck. I am on disability and have terminal cancer so I can't afford to send it to a garage. I replaced a timing belt on my other 1994 Ranger last year and must have lucked out because all I did was line up all the marks per the Chiltons manual. This time I over thought and turned the crankshaft to where I thought was TDC-Compression just by feel. How do I absolutely know if I am at TDC on compression stroke? Would it not backfire through the intake if 180 off? I was driving this truck at the time the belt broke so I know it runs well. Plus, per Ford, it's a non-interference engine. Please Help. Thanks, Dale
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Thursday, August 8th, 2019 AT 12:47 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Okay. If you changed the belt because it broke, then when you turned the crankshaft with no belt on it then you were only turning the crank not the valves because the belt connects the two. If the belt is off, then you need to line up the timing marks for both cam and crank and then install the belt. If this happens then you will be on TDC of compression because the cam timing marks are marked when on TDC for both.

It may help if you take a video of what the engine sounds like when it is trying to start. I may be picturing something different then what it is doing.
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Thursday, August 8th, 2019 AT 5:12 PM
Tiny
DALE LEONARD
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Before I installed the belt I lined up the camshaft to it's marks, the crankshaft to it's marks and the oil pump pulley to it's marks. All were aligned to Chiltons manual specs when belt was installed and everything is still aligned. But when I set the crankshaft I turned it twice to where I thought I was on the compression stroke but I don't know if I am on compression stroke or 180 off. I will try to get a video tonight. If I am 180 off how can I tell by cranking the engine. Thanks, Dale
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Friday, August 9th, 2019 AT 11:49 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
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Normally you can tell by the sound while cranking. However, I am still not clear if when you turned the crank over twice, was this with the belt back on or off?
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Friday, August 9th, 2019 AT 2:46 PM
Tiny
DALE LEONARD
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
The belt was not on at that time. As I was turning the crank I was feeling for resistance. I then installed the belt. Tomorrow my son is coming over with his video camera and I will get a good video to send to you. I want to thank you very much for your help so far and hope with the video we can solve my screw up and get this truck on the road. Thanks again, Dale
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Friday, August 9th, 2019 AT 2:58 PM
Tiny
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Okay. You should not be out of time if that is the case. Please send the video of it cranking and I should be able to confirm this by the sound. When they are out 180 they have a noticeable noise and cadence.

The reason you should be good is your timing is set when the belt is connecting the crank shaft and the cam shaft. If you do not have the belt connecting the crank and the cam when you turn the crank, you are only turning the crank. The only way you can be 180 out is if you have the piston at TDC with one of the valves open. This would be the exhaust stroke rather than the compression stroke. Again, if you are only turning the crank then it is not possible to get 180 out because your valves are not moving. As long as you set them both to the marks when you put the belt on, then you should be good.
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Sunday, August 11th, 2019 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
DALE LEONARD
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  • 7 POSTS
I will try and get a video within the next day or two. My Son's battery would not charge. He is going to get a new battery and will get it to you quickly. Thanks again for all your patience so far. Dale
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Monday, August 12th, 2019 AT 9:06 AM
Tiny
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No problem. Take your time. Whenever you post it, the site will notify me so I will check it out whenever you get it. Thanks
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Monday, August 12th, 2019 AT 5:19 PM
Tiny
DALE LEONARD
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Here is the video of what the truck just keeps doing:
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Monday, August 12th, 2019 AT 6:03 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Okay. I take it back when I said it does not sound like it is out of time. That is what an engine sounds like when it is out of time. At this point, I would be pulling the front down to check to see if you are on your marks when at TDC on compression stroke for number 1.

Also, make sure you have your plugs correct on the coil and going to the correct cylinders.
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Monday, August 12th, 2019 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
DALE LEONARD
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Thank you for finally figuring it out. I suspected I went too far with the two rotations. I will pull it back apart, reset the timing and hope that cures a several months long problem. Also I was lucky as the original coils from Ford were numbered and I installed the wires per the coils and just double checked with your diagram. I will report back. Thanks again for all your patience. Dale
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Tuesday, August 13th, 2019 AT 8:43 AM
Tiny
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You’re welcome. Please let me know what you find as I am not only curious but that information will help others if they have the same issue. Thanks for using 2CarPros
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Tuesday, August 13th, 2019 AT 6:56 PM

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