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  #1  
Old 12-21-2011, 08:19 PM
jimdk jimdk is offline
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Default What to check 2.5 L ...

Thanks for your experience and know-how in advance.

I've had my son's 98 for about a month now. A couple questions ...

I notice a strong raw fuel smell in the exhaust in the garage. Nothing like our minivan. Anyway, what to check? I've changed 6 plugs/wires- waiting for warmer weather and a clear head to change the other 2. Original plugs were about .060 - not bad considering?

Also, back in my day, we'd change clutches regularly. This has the original. Should I plan for change next spring or run it until it fails.

He never put a dent in this thing and I want to check all obvious systems for common issues. Already changed blower motor resistor and pig tail -completely fused/burnt/corroded. He change alternator last year and I suspect this may have caused its demise.

Anythings to check on my new ride and I'll get right on it ...

Thanks, Jim, the new Ranger guy.
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  #2  
Old 12-21-2011, 08:26 PM
CameronWooten CameronWooten is offline
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Default Re: What to check 2.5 L ...

i never figured out why there's 8 plugs/wires even on a 4cyl, think it's to burn off excess fuel/emissions, and you sure it's coming form the exhaust? Filler necks are prone to cracking/leaking and will only notice when you fill your ranger and can smell gas for a time afterwards
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  #3  
Old 12-21-2011, 08:35 PM
thatranger thatranger is offline
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Default Re: What to check 2.5 L ...

Maybe theres an upper pin hole in the fuel tank letting flumes out? Bad gas cap? Bad goose gas tube w/ hole? Rusted hole in exhaust? But I dont know why your in the garage with the truck on, smelling things, people die that way. Or maybe the whole exhuast is trashed CATs and whatnot, causing that order. Or maybe its just normal, and is noticeable in the garage. Me: leave it alone if it aint causing any problems.

As for the clutch, yea get it changed within 6months if its nice and grippy, so you wont have to be stuck on the side of the road in the future. Or killing your tranny w/ clutchless shifting (not too hard, but isnt good for your syncos) cause it went out.
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  #4  
Old 12-22-2011, 06:49 AM
jimdk jimdk is offline
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Default Re: What to check 2.5 L ...

Thanks for your suggestions. I'll look things over closely for the source of this gas smell. Maybe it's not at the exhaust pipe. I don't run the Ranger in the garage, only until I back it out - but I am surprised at the strength of this "raw fuel" smell.

I was thinking that maybe the O2 sensors, converter, etc are shot. And that, much as I hate to, have a computer diagnosis to know what's not up to snuff. But as you say, it's running pretty good, and I'm not crazy about
paying for tests that don't result in much. Any ideas here??

Thanks,

Jim
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  #5  
Old 12-22-2011, 09:41 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
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Default Re: What to check 2.5 L ...

Quote:
Originally Posted by jimdk View Post
Thanks for your suggestions. I'll look things over closely for the source of this gas smell. Maybe it's not at the exhaust pipe. I don't run the Ranger in the garage, only until I back it out - but I am surprised at the strength of this "raw fuel" smell.

I was thinking that maybe the O2 sensors, converter, etc are shot. And that, much as I hate to, have a computer diagnosis to know what's not up to snuff. But as you say, it's running pretty good, and I'm not crazy about
paying for tests that don't result in much. Any ideas here??

Thanks,

Jim
Does your CEL come on KOEO?

check for codes even if the CEL is off. you could have pending codes. I would think that with a strong gas smeel you would get some coides.

I am not sure if you are looking for potential issue with just the engine or the entire truck. if you are looking for issues on the truck.
-I would check/flush the tranny with ATF takes about 3 quarts
-The rear leafpsringhangers and shckles rust out
-the VSS in the differential is a common issue......your speedo will act wierd and maybe the ABS light

you can buy a code reader for about the price of one DX at the dealership
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2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).
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  #6  
Old 12-22-2011, 11:50 AM
CameronWooten CameronWooten is offline
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Default Re: What to check 2.5 L ...

just rent a code reader from NAPA or O'Reiley's
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  #7  
Old 12-22-2011, 05:01 PM
robert99ranger robert99ranger is offline
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Default Re: What to check 2.5 L ...

I would think about changing the timing belt if it has not been done. With the age, it wouldn't hurt to do.
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  #8  
Old 12-23-2011, 06:41 AM
jimdk jimdk is offline
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Default Re: What to check 2.5 L ...

Just to follow-up ...

I took it to Autozone. The CEL is on when key is on - it showed no trouble codes, the guy said. Also, I topped off the tank and looked underneath, no sign of fuel leak , and I see nothing like a significant exhaust leak with engine running.

The only thing I noticed was that the differential has been leaking some, I think from the input shaft.

And measured at the sides of the tailgate the drivers side sits 1.25 inches low, it is and looks like more at the far outside. Good point on timing belt, is this a rubber-cog belt -- how hard to change?

Thanks to you! posters.

Jim
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  #9  
Old 12-23-2011, 06:55 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
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Default Re: What to check 2.5 L ...

Quote:
Originally Posted by jimdk View Post
Just to follow-up ...

I took it to Autozone. The CEL is on when key is on - it showed no trouble codes, the guy said. Also, I topped off the tank and looked underneath, no sign of fuel leak , and I see nothing like a significant exhaust leak with engine running.

The only thing I noticed was that the differential has been leaking some, I think from the input shaft.

And measured at the sides of the tailgate the drivers side sits 1.25 inches low, it is and looks like more at the far outside. Good point on timing belt, is this a rubber-cog belt -- how hard to change?

Thanks to you! posters.

Jim
OK
-so you know the CEL works and you have no codes
-I would finish bringing the maintenance up. ie, clean MAF,EGR, TB, IACV, pcv, fuel filter etc..as you are doing this look for vavumm leaks or where the gas smell might be coming from. check the hoses that run from the DPFE sensor.
-The sag in the rear is from a busted hanger or shackle or both.....get under there and see what is busted. I have a writeup for it if you need it.
- I am all for keeping up the proper maintenance but for hte most part if something lie a clutch is working fine I don't look for fixing things that aint broke. but that is up to you
-Also I hope you used Motorcraft or Autolite plugs and wires. if you did not I would probably take them out or at the least get them and put them in the 2 hard to reach plugs.
- pull the plug on your differential and top it off with 80-90 gear oil
-drain and fill the 5 speed with ATF
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2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).
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  #10  
Old 12-24-2011, 06:58 AM
jimdk jimdk is offline
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Default Re: What to check 2.5 L ...

Thanks modelageek,

Geez, for the second time I posted a reply and it wouldn't post - did I time out. Pain.

Anyway, I checked on the forum, etc. the sensors you named and will do cleaning of each over the next week or so. I did use Autolite wires/Dbl platinum plugs. I do have a whirring sound, independent of clutch. My son is used to it. It's from engine area, but I can't tell, kinda loud for alternator, just belt noise or water pump?

I like your approach, checking all maintenance items - I doubt these have ever been done. I'll also take a very close look at the rear springs/mounts to see if I can see anything broke - it does bang some during driving.

Thanks, I'll keep you posted

Jim
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  #11  
Old 12-24-2011, 07:02 AM
djfllmn djfllmn is offline
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Default Re: What to check 2.5 L ...

well the 2.5 has always had a little whine to it...my grandpas 98 2.5 has whined since day 1...he bought it new and the older fords have loud PS pumps
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  #12  
Old 12-24-2011, 07:09 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
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Default Re: What to check 2.5 L ...

Quote:
Originally Posted by djfllmn View Post
well the 2.5 has always had a little whine to it...my grandpas 98 2.5 has whined since day 1...he bought it new and the older fords have loud PS pumps
what he said^^^^^^ the power steering pumps are noisy...................The rear of the rear leaf spring hanger and or shackle is absolutely rusted through.........an automotive stethoscope is a handy cheap tool to help locate noises.........

The 4 banger ranger is an easy truck to work on......the only PITA is the 2 back drivers side plugs and even after you figure it out and change them once, they are not all that bad. I think if you have AC the thermostat is a little tricky
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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

Last edited by modelageek; 12-24-2011 at 07:13 AM.
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  #13  
Old 12-24-2011, 07:11 AM
djfllmn djfllmn is offline
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Default Re: What to check 2.5 L ...

i know my 95 escort i had the power steering pump was noisy as all hell lol...same with my grandpas ranger
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