Background, 1993 Ranger 4x4, ext cab 4.0L. Driving on a logging road, about 10 mph. Engine sputtered a few times, then quit. Full gas tank.Fresh oil filter and new oil a week ago. New battery 6 months ago. New alternator 10 months ago. Took out volt meter and checked battery. It read 12.68v. It won't turn over. Wrenched the pulley to main crank, and it moves ok. So not seized up. Starter relay clicks when key turned but no action. Maybe starter is hooped. It was new 3 years ago. But a broken starter wouldn't cause the sudden sputter n stall. Any suggestions?

 

First things first.
Test the starter and its cable connections. Replacement starters can be more than 'iffy'.
Get a starter to turn your engine over and start it.

You may never learn what made your engine sputter then stall. At 10mph, your transmission may have been in too high a gear...or the TC didn't unlock (?).
You can't even do a 50:50 test without the ability to crank the engine over.

 

Well, thank you for the reply!
I was on a section of logging road that didn't need 4x4, so drivetrain load was not an issue. I will try replacing the starter. I did try the "hammer the starter under truck" solution, which produced nothing. Being an OBD1 ECU, I'll have to jump wire the test port and read the blinks... Hopefully it may provide a clue to the stalling. I'm also going to replace fuel filter. Hopefully won't need to replace fuel pump...
Oh, and what is a 50:50 test?
Thanks again
from Vancouver Island British Columbia Canada, eh?😁

 

Posted here:
50:50 Test
Spray gasoline or ether into the engine directly
Try to start
If it starts and then dies, you have a fuel system problem
If it doesn't start, then it’s a spark problem
50:50, instant results.

 

Ok.... thanks. I'll give that a try. It may be awhile before I get to all this as life's demands put my truck low on the priority list. But I will let you know what comes of it all.
Thanks again,
And God Bless!

 

Locate the fuel rail. You will see a black cap remove it. You will see a valve just like on a tire or inter tube get a little pocket screw driver. Push it in. If gas sprays out fuel pump doing its job. I still think you have 2 problems Starters go out constantly on these trucks so do fuel pumps. What year is your truck. You can Also swap your fuel pump relay with your fog lamp relay for test purposes. To eliminate relay 1st.

 

Good morning!
Thanks for the direction. I hope to get at this soon, but time and budget are factors right now. Gotta get 'er done soon though, the bush is calling, and in our part of the country (Vancouver Island) fall is knocking at the door...
Thanks again