I just recently solved some fuel issues with my 2.9l 87 ranger, replaced a fuel line and the pump relay was bad

The truck starts up and runs until I let off the key to take it from start position to the run position. Also it never sent the primer pulses to the fuel pump when first putting in the run position.

After starting it I took the ignition wire off the starter relay to make sure the starter wasn't just keeping it going (suspicion of water in gas) still ran without the starter going until I let off the key

Any ideas on this issue? i'm not sure where to start

Thanks for any help provided!

 

Most likely the ignition switch, under the steering column

Do all the gauges come on when key is turned to Run?

On the single coil system like TFI there can be two "power wires"(+) for the coil, but the TFI module will have a START and RUN wire as well.

The two power wires are to give the coil 12volts when cranking and then reduce voltage to 7volts when running, this reduces the heat in the coil, the 12volts at start up is for cold engines and a hotter spark.

You can run a jumper wire from battery to "+" on the coil and see if that keeps it running.
But because the fuel pump is not coming on I would suspect the ignition switch.

 

It's definitely the ignition switch, just got the cover off, and the it was messed up, the bent metal pieces that hold the white part on (the part the plug plugs into) was messed up, I pushed the white part up to it and it ran just fine with the key in the on position. So i'm gonna get a new one tomorrow.

My next question is how in the heck do I get that off? There are two screws that look like torx heads holding it on, except they have a raise part in the middle that prevents them from being removed, I guess just drill them? why would they be like that?

 

Stop by local auto parts, WalMart, Home depot, or harbor freight and look for Tamper Resistant Torx Bits

 

+1 ^^
Most hardware and auto parts stores sell "security bit" sets.
Torx
Hex
and there is also a flat blade with nub in the middle, lol

 

Haha, Ok thanks a lot for the help guys! After a year of restoration and what not, finally gonna have her up and running today :D

 

Good work