So I think I got my other problem fixed. I replaced the original fuel pump because of my truck's start-then-die behavior, but the replacement pump(s) were cheap and I think they didn't work well.
Here is the problem:
1997 Ford Ranger 2.3L engine, manual transmission
If you turn the key on to start the truck, after it has been sitting for more than a very short length of time, it will initially start, rev up a bit, then die. After that, if you try to restart, it will start right up and run fine.
If you turn the key to "ON" for a couple of seconds and wait, then start the truck, it starts and runs without dying.
Sounds like a fuel pump losing pressure, right?
Here are the things I've replaced that have had no effect on this behavior:
Fuel pump x 3
Fuel filter x 2
Fuel injectors
Fuel pressure regulator
IACV
With a pressure gauge on the fuel rail, no loss in fuel pressure is seen during the start-then-die event. In fact, the fuel pressure seems to increase as the engine dies (vacuum operated pressure regulator).
My guess is that there is maybe a tiny leak somewhere in the system and that causes the fuel pressure in the system to leak out -- and air to leak in (?). Then, the injectors get hit with a little bubble of air that makes the car die.
I guess the thing to do would be to get a UV dye for the fuel system and see if that will show any leaks.
Here is the problem:
1997 Ford Ranger 2.3L engine, manual transmission
If you turn the key on to start the truck, after it has been sitting for more than a very short length of time, it will initially start, rev up a bit, then die. After that, if you try to restart, it will start right up and run fine.
If you turn the key to "ON" for a couple of seconds and wait, then start the truck, it starts and runs without dying.
Sounds like a fuel pump losing pressure, right?
Here are the things I've replaced that have had no effect on this behavior:
Fuel pump x 3
Fuel filter x 2
Fuel injectors
Fuel pressure regulator
IACV
With a pressure gauge on the fuel rail, no loss in fuel pressure is seen during the start-then-die event. In fact, the fuel pressure seems to increase as the engine dies (vacuum operated pressure regulator).
My guess is that there is maybe a tiny leak somewhere in the system and that causes the fuel pressure in the system to leak out -- and air to leak in (?). Then, the injectors get hit with a little bubble of air that makes the car die.
I guess the thing to do would be to get a UV dye for the fuel system and see if that will show any leaks.