The engine in my 1999 Ranger began to stop after running for about 2 minutes. After waiting about a minute it would start and run anither 2 minutes. Thinking it was a fuel filter problem I replaced the it. Same thing - runs for about 2 minutes and the engine stops, wait a minute runs for 2 minutes etc. Any suggestions as the the source of the problem? Not a vacuum in the fuel tank either. Runs fine otherwise.

 

Generally, if the engine stops instantly like you flipped a switch, it likely is an ignition/electrical problem. If it tends to sputter before stopping, it's fuel. Some easy things to try depending on which route you take test for loss of fuel pressure with a gauge attached to the shrader valve on the fuel rail. It has to be monitored at the time of the engine stopping. You can use a spark tester while running in your driveway, monitoring it and checking at the time when the engine won't start.
Electrically driven components generally will act up as you mentioned. Fuel pump/ drive voltage and electrically driven components in the electrical-ignition system. A mechanical component such as spark plugs, wires, fuel filter etc. don't behave like your engine is doing when they fail.

 

You might consider looking under the rear of your vehicle just above the rearmost crossmember for a "Fuel Pump Driver Module"

They did have problems with them caused by where they were mounted and the material they were made from.due to corrosion eating through the case and raising heck with the printed circuit inside. Simple to replace and slight mounting change prevented a repeat performance..

 

Diagnose first. Don't go condemning a particuliar part or module without doing a simple fuel pressure or ignition system test on the spark.

 

Unfortunately, most folks don't have the equipment or background to do a thorough diagnosis and I believe they come here to get answers or suggestions from folks they hope have solved a problem like theirs. When we have seen these problems many times, we offer what has worked for us.
Many times there can be other reasons for the problem, but at least we attempt to steer them in the right direction with REASONS and EXPLANATIONS FROM EXPERIENCE , and what is a way to correct the problem. What they decide to do after that is up to them.

 

We cannot assume what equipment others have. It is easy to suggest parts swapping because it's not our money. Certain intermittent problems may have to be solved that way. If it's cheap, easy and a maintenance item, I would suggest just replacing. However, it has not even been determined if a fuel , electrical or ignition problem exists. A fuel pump driver replacement isn't a cheap, inexpensive part and to suggest it without even determining which vehicle system is malfunctioning is very premature at this time.

 

I agree entirely with your logic.

Maybe you can offer a way to do the diagnosis when they are unable to get the vehicle running.

 

I case you missed it, I gave some suggestions in post # 2.