Car wont stay started. [1994 Ford Ranger]?

Question

Just a little while ago my sister gave me her ford ranger. Lately I have had some problems with it. The most recent problem that has been a big trouble is that my car wont. Sometimes it would randomly not start and I would just wait a bit or keep trying and it would start on up. Then a few days ago I went to start it and it wouldn't start. It has been a couple days now and it still wont start. The last time I tried to get it to start, it sounded like it started, but then it just turned off again. The lights and radio work and I just recently replaced the battery and the cables. My dad said it might be something wrong with the fuel pump/filter. I don't know much about cars and I am iffy about taking it to a mechanic, not to mention I couldn't get it there.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Which engine?

There are three available for a 94 Ranger..help us that much.

Answer 2

First check the oil level for quality and quantity. If it is milky then it has water in it which indicated a blown head gasket. Test this with a radiator pressure tester that you can rent. The first thing I would do is check the cleanliness and tightness of the starter solonoid. The older fords prior to 1996 have a TFI (thick Film Ignition). It is located on the distributor. This part sometimes breaks down due to heat and fails causing a weak and jumping spark. It could also be the stator in the distributor. The best way to check this is to remove the spark plug and hook it up to the spark plug wire with the plug not installed. Then hold it up to a metal part of the engine such as the a.c line or the intake manifold. Have a friend turn over the engine and check for spark at the plug.  The next thing to check would be the timing belt. The timing can be checked with a timing light by putting the ammeter on the spark plug wire across from #1 on the distributor. You are checking cam timing, not the ignition timing. If it reads 10 degrees BTDC. you are good, if it jumps them you cam belt jumped a tooth. Another related problem is the cam or timing belt make be loose or broken causing your engine not to run due to a lack of compression. The next thing to check is fuel psi. First turn the key to the on position without trying to start it, you should be able to hear the fuel pump buzz for about two-three seconds. If this doesn't happen then the pump is shot. Ford has a shradder valve on the fuel rail which is the point where you can check fuel pressure with a fuel pressure gauge that you can buy for 30 dollars at a auto parts store.