Hello all

I'm hoping someone wiser than myself can point me in the right direction here. I've tried everything I know
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1991 Ranger 2.3L M5OD
-Sat for about 6 months, neighbor gave it to me
-New fuel pump
-Clean tank
-New fuel filter
-New fuel pressure regulator
-Tested and cleaned injectors
-All 8 new plugs, all wires tested
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It can run bit with ether, so it must be getting compression
I tested the spark plugs, they're all good and brand new
I tried removing the SPOUT connector, MAF sensor, etc.
Fuel pressure at the rail is excellent

I'm thinking maybe it's something with the injectors, and I'm looking to get a noid light some time soon, but is there anything else it could be?
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Welcome to the forum

The ICM(ignition control module) is a known issue on 1989-1994 2.3l engine
It is on the front of the lower intake manifold behind Fan to keep it cool, it runs very HOT

Check its connectors unplug and plug back in to clean them
Look at the 3 screws holding it to manifold, they are the Grounds for the ICM and it needs good grounds, i.e. rusty screws are not good grounds

It should start and run then die if you do 50/50 test, i.e. spray gasoline or ether into the intake
Just barely firing means a spark or compression issue
But also means Crank Sensor is probably OK

Pull out a spark plug, clean it off
Put it back in
Crank engine over for 5 seconds two times
Pull out same spark plug
Should be WET with fuel, if so injectors are working
Try and light the "fuel"(spark plug tip) with a match, or lighter, should burn easily, if not then its NOT "fuel" its something else, lol



Gasoline can not be ignited with a spark, yes the movie guys take liberties, lol
Only gasoline Vapor can be ignited with a spark, thats why gasoline engines need compression, it heats up the liquid gasoline enough to Vaporize enough of it so spark plug can ignite it
Need minimum 30% Vapor for good ignition
Ether has a lower temp Vapor point, which is why it has such a strong smell, smell is Vapor, i.e. gasoline smells more in summer because of its warmer temp

So ether should ignite easily in any gasoline engine, which is why its sold as "Quick Start", even with lower compression
Once a cylinder fires a few times its HOT enough to vaporize incoming gasoline
So if engine fires(with ether) but won't stay running then either spark is not "hot" enough, or regular enough, or your gasoline from the injectors is not gasoline