My 2.3 liter 1989 Ranger is cranking but won't turn over and start. The first thing I thought to do was replace the fuel filter, but I'm having trouble locating it. I spotted a cylindrical metal piece along the frame rail but it has grounding wires attached to it, which my replacement fuel filter doesn't have a spot for. Is this the fuel pump? I had to remove a metal bracket to access it.

If so, where is the fuel filter? I've looked all along both passenger and driver sides of the frame rails and can't find anything resembling a fuel filter.

 

Welcome to the forum

FIRST thing you do when any engine cranks but doesn't start is to spray fuel into the intake to see if it starts
Fuel can be gasoline, ether(quick start), Carb Cleaner(lol)

Called 50/50 test
If it starts and dies then you KNOW problem is fuel related

If it doesn't start then it is a spark or compression issue
50/50

2.3l Lima engine uses a timing belt and they break without warning, so just a heads up, if a 2.3l Lima engine doesn't start after adding fuel manually then check that the CAM gear is turning when you crank engine over, if not then timing belt has broken, no engine damage occurs, just a no start


The picture is of the high pressure fuel pump, there is a second low pressure pump in the gas tank.
But 1989 should only have one fuel pump in the tank, so you have the 1988 system
Pictures here of that system: How to: Install inline/high pressure fuel pump (86 ranger 2.3 gas) - The Ranger Station Forums

Fuel filter will be between high pressure pump and the engine on any fuel injection vehicle.