I have an '86 Ranger 4x4 automatic with dual tanks. Since melting a new catalytic converter, the truck has not ran. I've had three mechanics look at it and they are stumped just as I am. The catalytic converter has been replaced, timing checked, compression checked, and fuel pressure tested. But, a blue wire under the hood was broken and no matter what I do I can't find where this wire broke from. Even looking at the wiring diagrams in my Hayes manual, I'm not finding any reference to this wire. Does anyone out there know where it might lead to?

 

i believe that blue wire is from the distributor timing advance

 

There is a Light Blue with orange stripe wire used for Fuel Pump relay, it is spliced and also goes to OBD I connector

OBD I------\
Relay--------\------------------Computer


very odd that 4 people can't get an engine started???

Assuming compression is OK or reasonable and if the starter motor is turning the engine over then spray some starting fluid into the intake, or add some gasoline to intake.
If engine starts then dies you have no fuel coming from injectors
If engine doesn't fire then you have no spark

Pull out a spark plug if it is wet with fuel then you may have a fuel leak into the intake.

Burned up Cat would mean a leaking fuel injector or leaking Fuel pressure regulator(fuel is sucked into the intake)
Rich running cause Cat to get very hot trying to burn up the extra gasoline in the exhaust.

Also remove O2 sensor from exhaust pipe, you may have a blocked exhaust, i.e. potato in the tail pipe, this will prevent engine from starting, O2 sensor hole will allow start up.

 

it is a 1986 model ron

i believe the engine is carbeurated

 

2.9l in a Ranger(1986-1992) should be EFI, 2.8l and 2.0l/2.3l were the ones with carbs

 

Cheese-man - Ron is correct the 2.9 is port to port fuel injection.

 

I've just spent the past hour looking for where the light green/black wires connected which headed into the cab(they are not listed anywhere in their wiring diagram. But, I did find the light blue wires. They seem to go to the transfer case assembly and are one side of the speed sensor switch.