Hey so I replaced the timing chain the distributor and the fuel pump relay. I had to bypass the inertia switch toget the pump to run. But it runs constant. And it was cranking. It did run while I sprayed fuel into the intake. When I replaced the fuel pump relay it tried to start. But since then i can’t get it to crank. It has a strange buzz come from above the glove box but won’t crank. I’ve charged the battery but nothing. I’m guessing solinoid. Any help would be great.
sorry 1987 ranger xlt 2.9 liter manual transmission

 

You really need to include what year and engine you are working on????

1987 2.9l?
Manual or automatic?

In 1987 the spark system is separate from the fuel system
The engine computer runs the fuel system, TFI module the spark system

The starter motor system is separate from spark or fuel, so a 3rd system

In 1987 there is a Starter Relay on inner fender in engine bay, often called start solenoid, but its a relay, lol
Starter relay will have 2 larger posts and 1 or 2 smaller posts

One of the larger posts will have Battery Positive cable on it, and several other wires with it, this is the Power Distribution point of the whole vehicle
The other larger post will have ONE cable, it runs to starter motor

The smaller post marked with an "S" will have a smaller wire, it comes from the Neutral switch and the ignition switch under steering column
When this smaller post gets 12volts the Relay will close and starter motor will activate

Make sure transmission is in NEUTRAL(wheels blocked) or in PARK
Use a short jumper wire from Battery Positive to the small "S" terminal
Relay should "click" and Starter should activate
If no "click" replace relay
If there is a "CLICK" but no starter motor activation replace starter motor


Spraying fuel into the engine(50/50 test) and having engine start, run and then die means compression is good, spark is good but no fuel from injectors

 

Sorry 1987 ranger xlt 2.9 liter manual transmission

 

It was cranking fine before and after the timing chain and distributor. It just wasn’t getting fuel. The pump would run but it wasn’t getting injected so I started checking electrical issues. I did spray fuel into the intake it would run like that fine. But when I changed the fuel pump relay and tried to fire it up it tried to start. But we saw some smoke around the batttery and solinoid area and since then it will not crank. The warning lights only come on sometimes now also when I turn the key. Then there is a buzzing from the relays now as well. I hate electrical issues I’m checking everything and am stumped

 

Starter motors work until they don't work
Starter relays work until they don't work

Tires hold air until they don't
Tire was fine yesterday, WTF?
Point being when things break they break, what it was like yesterday, or 5 minutes ago, doesn't matter, so don't think in those therms, work the problem not the past

If you saw "smoke", which was an important thing to leave out, then you most likely blew a fusible link on the starter relay
From description Smoke was near the starter relay on inner fender right?

Disconnect either battery cable at its terminal
On the starter relay's larger post with all the wires, Remove all the wires and battery cable
Check each wire, each is Fusible link, its a short 6" - 8" wire that acts as a fuse, it will melt and separate if there is a short or it gets too hot

Drawing here: https://www.justanswer.com/uploads/H..._87_Ranger.gif

The starter relay on the left has all the wires on the left large post those are the wires that need to be checked
Take a picture, COUNT the wires that come off

Clean the ends of the wires, smoke could just have been from corrosion on that post
Repeated cranking of the starter motor HEATS UP the starter and also the wires on that post
Starter system is made to be used for 5 seconds at a time, a few times a day

Other relay's will "buzzz" when voltage they get is under 7volts but over 3 volts, so there is a low voltage issue somewhere