I just did an engine swap and put a 95 2.3l in my 1999 ranger. I went to start it today and it started right up but after idling for about 2 minutes started coughing and sputtering and died. Now it just cranks but does not start. I have checked that there is spark and that the fuel rail has fuel in it. I tested the injectors to see if they are pulsing and they did not fire any gas out when I turned it over with it disconnected from the intake but still connected to the fuel rail. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Do 50/50 test
Spray fuel, gasoline or Ether(Quick Start), into intake and then try to start

If it starts and dies, spark is good, fuel is the problem
If it doesn't start then spark is the problem
50/50
quick and easy

1995 2.3l engine should work fine with 2.5l computer and wiring as long as you used the 2.5l intake and injectors on the 2.3l engine.

1999 fuel system was different from 1995 which is why you need to use the 1999 intake

All the fuel injectors will get 12volts when key is turned on, Red wire that loops from one injector to the next.
Each injector has it's own Ground wire that runs back to the computer, so the computer Grounds an injector to open it and add fuel to the intake.

You need a Noid Light, to test that Ground pulse

But easy enough to test if intake is getting fuel.
Crank engine
Then pull out a spark plug, it will be wet with fuel if computer is opening injectors

If no wet spark plug then check that injector has 12volts with key on, if not the EEC/PCM fuse is blown, engine bay fuse box, 30amp
Fuel pump would also not work without this fuse

Crank position(CKP) sensor is about the only sensor that can cause a No Start.
CKP sensor sets base spark and injector timing
It tells computer when #1 is as Top Dead Center, so when to spark #1 and of course #2, #3, and #4.
So make sure that wire didn't come unplugged.
You would have no spark and no fuel with no CKP Pulse.

CPS(cam position sensor) fine tunes spark and fuel injectors, but can sometimes cause a no start, make sure it is connected.

 

I spent 4 whole days trying to get it running and finally just took it in to a mechanic. I will let you know what they say the problem is. I have a feeling its the CKP but do not want to keep digging into it and throwing money at parts when I am not sure if that will fix it.

 

Wish we could get an update on this.

 

Engine was junk. something was messed up in the head. It never really started and never made compression high enough to run. Not sure what the specific problem was, but ended up rebuilding the 2.5 we pulled out of it and now has been running good since. Sorry about not update