turbo question

[bigted83]

Is anybody in here really know turbos? I have a little 1988 ford ranger with a 2.3 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder. My question is will a broke wastegate keep a engine from starting? I took it out for a drive one Sunday and it wouldn't run right as I figured it was low on gas. So I went and put gas in it and then it wouldn't start. So I had it towed to a repair shop and about a hour later I went over to get something out of it and I figured I would try and start it and it started but I had to crank it a little longer then normal but it finally started. And the repair shop doesn't had the any problem starting it. But when then drive her and start to build boost it starts stumbling. Could it be week fuel pump or ignition ? And the mechanic working on it says the fuel pump should be putting 45psi out but only does 31 unless he cycles the ignition several times then it builds to 45 psi? So anybody have any clues

[derklug]

Start with the basics, a fuel filter will make the pressure build slowly and will cause all of your other symptoms. Then check the fuel pressure regulator, it should max out at 45 with no vacuum, and the pressure should drop when vacuum is applied.

The wastegate cannot make the engine not start, if stuck open, it won't let the turbo build boost, if stuck closed you will overboost.

[bigted83]

I put one new fuel filter on it, it may be the one in the tank. I talked to my best friend's dad that was a ford mechanic when those engines came out. He's thinking fuel or ignition. If the wastegate is shot I can't afford that so I hope it's minor

[bigted83]

They said the turbo works buts once u start building boost thats when it stumbles. The truck hauls ass when runs right. How that truck runs got me liking boost