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  #1  
Old 05-02-2013, 06:00 PM
fmlrommel fmlrommel is offline
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Default 2.3l frustration

well i have been trying to snuff out the issue ive been having with my ranger for the last month or two. when the temp outside was <= 30 degrees it would start hard, often after 3-5 attempts, run "OK" (meaning it was lacking power, especially in the lower gears at lower RPM's and mostly at takeoff. however if i drove it a mile or two and shut it off and restarted it (i work a mile away) it would have no power, backfire and often wouldnt even build RPM in neutral with full throttle. i connected it to a code reader and i got faulty coolant temp sensor and intake air temperature sensor, which made it seem to run better for a day or two, but the problem reappeared.

next i wanted to test the fuel pressure but, the tester i had wouldnt fit because the EGR was in the way, so i took the upper intake and EGR off and replaced spark plugs, wires, upper intake gasket, cleaned throttle body thoroughly, replaced several vacuum hoses that were dry rotted, and my fuel pressure regulator, all stuff that should be done i guess. went back together, ran better but not great, same problem returned, but not right away.

then i noticed that my fuel filler tube neck had rusted off and dirt was getting into my fuel tank that way. i had changed fuel filter previously, and this time i dropped the tank and put a new fuel filler neck, new fuel pump and filter, made sure i cleaned the tank out good... started it up, ran ok, hints of hesitation but it started instantly which wasnt normal. drove ok for a couple days, took it 20 miles to the vet yesterday-45 minutes later and it wouldnt fire even once. waited another 30 for ride to get there, and i could get it to fire, but not run.

today i went and it started with several attempts (fuel pump sounds strong) idled for several seconds and died, couple times i could keep it running for a bit with the accelerator, but it died eventually each time, not enough power to move truck. tomorrow going to check fuel pressure again and use ohm meter on TPS.

ive looked at 15-20 posts on several forums, all describing similar symptoms, and few fixing the issue... i have considered crankshaft position sensor or maybe a coil pack (it was 30 degrees warmer than it has been yesterday). if the TPS and fuel pressure are good tomorrow i guess im going to do a cylinder leak test and go from there. any input would be greatly appreciated! thanks!
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1989 ford ranger 2.3l 5 speed mazda -235/85R15 BFG T/A's - recent fixes: new plugs, new wires, cleaned throttle body, new fuel filter. had rusted out filler neck flange: got a new one, thoroughly cleaned tank, new pump, another new filter, cleaner, IAT sensor, new CTS

Last edited by fmlrommel; 05-02-2013 at 06:05 PM.
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  #2  
Old 05-02-2013, 06:15 PM
Jaws Ranger Jaws Ranger is offline
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Idle problem could be the IAC
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  #3  
Old 05-02-2013, 06:24 PM
fmlrommel fmlrommel is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l frustration

any idea how to test it? i'm way beyond dumping more money into this thing unless i have reason to think its broke. i guess i just need to go through sensors and test em and do compression test and go from there
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1989 ford ranger 2.3l 5 speed mazda -235/85R15 BFG T/A's - recent fixes: new plugs, new wires, cleaned throttle body, new fuel filter. had rusted out filler neck flange: got a new one, thoroughly cleaned tank, new pump, another new filter, cleaner, IAT sensor, new CTS
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  #4  
Old 05-02-2013, 06:25 PM
Jaws Ranger Jaws Ranger is offline
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Just clean it!
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96 Ford Ranger 2.3 - Loads of mods
03 DSG Mustang GT 5 spd- CAI, Flowmaster cat back, Sequential tail lights, 70mm T.B. 265/305
1992 GMC C1500 4.3 Long Bed 91K
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  #5  
Old 05-02-2013, 06:27 PM
dangerranger94 dangerranger94 is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l frustration

could be the timing belt skipped a few teeth...
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My babe/DD-1995 2.3l 5speed 4x4, long bed, 4.10 open dif, "red rocket" 31/10.5/15s good years
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  #6  
Old 05-02-2013, 06:28 PM
Jaws Ranger Jaws Ranger is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dangerranger94 View Post
could be the timing belt skipped a few teeth...


image-3260589717.jpg
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96 Ford Ranger 2.3 - Loads of mods
03 DSG Mustang GT 5 spd- CAI, Flowmaster cat back, Sequential tail lights, 70mm T.B. 265/305
1992 GMC C1500 4.3 Long Bed 91K
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  #7  
Old 05-02-2013, 06:30 PM
dangerranger94 dangerranger94 is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l frustration

lol, it can happen
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1996 f150 4x4 ext cab, Eddie Bauer edition, 5.8l auto, 3.55 gears and 31/10.5/15
My babe/DD-1995 2.3l 5speed 4x4, long bed, 4.10 open dif, "red rocket" 31/10.5/15s good years
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  #8  
Old 05-02-2013, 06:36 PM
fmlrommel fmlrommel is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l frustration

Quote:
Originally Posted by dangerranger94 View Post
could be the timing belt skipped a few teeth...
i dont think so, it so intermittent. after changing some parts it got better, then worse again...
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1989 ford ranger 2.3l 5 speed mazda -235/85R15 BFG T/A's - recent fixes: new plugs, new wires, cleaned throttle body, new fuel filter. had rusted out filler neck flange: got a new one, thoroughly cleaned tank, new pump, another new filter, cleaner, IAT sensor, new CTS
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  #9  
Old 05-02-2013, 06:37 PM
Jaws Ranger Jaws Ranger is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fmlrommel View Post

i dont think so, it so intermittent. after changing some parts it got better, then worse again...
Try to clean the IAC takes about 10 minutes
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96 Ford Ranger 2.3 - Loads of mods
03 DSG Mustang GT 5 spd- CAI, Flowmaster cat back, Sequential tail lights, 70mm T.B. 265/305
1992 GMC C1500 4.3 Long Bed 91K
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  #10  
Old 05-02-2013, 07:04 PM
fmlrommel fmlrommel is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l frustration

will do, added to the list
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1989 ford ranger 2.3l 5 speed mazda -235/85R15 BFG T/A's - recent fixes: new plugs, new wires, cleaned throttle body, new fuel filter. had rusted out filler neck flange: got a new one, thoroughly cleaned tank, new pump, another new filter, cleaner, IAT sensor, new CTS
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  #11  
Old 05-02-2013, 07:04 PM
thatranger thatranger is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l frustration

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaws Ranger View Post
Try to clean the IAC takes about 10 minutes
First just take it off & see if its dirty. I just went thru rough idle problems in my grandmother windstar. Clean IAC/body/plugs/wires/coil & solved the problem.

The IAC is very easy to remove (at least it was on the windstar) its just two screws & one connector. Turn it over & look in it to see if theres is too much buildup. Clean with carb cleaner if needed.

What you need to/should do is check fuel rail pressure, very every on a windstar, never looked at a ranger's however. Also removing the fuel injectors & giving them a good cleaning will help. But cleaning them will require a air compressor, and $70-$100 'system' that you can buy, and some kind of liquid to clean them, not normal injector cleaning stuff, but the kind made for the kits. Just remove the oil pack & check for any cracks on it. If any cracks are found, replace it.

Also spraying carb cleaner around the engine, like the intake manifold, all hoses, and etc to check for a vacuum leak (however since yours wont stay running then it wouldn't work). But if you can get it to stay running, if you spray & the rpms pick up, then carb cleaner is getting sucked into the engine.

May not be a bad idea to run some seafoam in the gas take along with fuel injector cleaner anyways. And isn't a bad idea to get compression tested on the engine.

Note: I'm just guessing, but these are all things I would do to rule out. Its not a bad idea to do all of this anyways, it'll keep it running longer after its fixed.

Also, its important for us to know, are there any check engine lights on anymore? (new ones, not what had got before) If you can't get them scanned, at least let us know if the check engine light is still on.
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Last edited by thatranger; 05-02-2013 at 07:07 PM.
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  #12  
Old 05-02-2013, 07:05 PM
Jaws Ranger Jaws Ranger is offline
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by thatranger View Post

First just take it off & see if its dirty. I just went thru rough idle problems in my grandmother windstar. Clean IAC/body/plugs/wires/coil & solved the problem.

The IAC is very easy to remove (at least it was on the windstar) its just two screws & one connector. Turn it over & look in it to see if theres is too much buildup. Clean with carb cleaner if needed.

What you need to/should do is check fuel rail pressure, very every on a windstar, never looked at a ranger's however. Also removing the fuel injectors & giving them a good cleaning will help. But cleaning them will require a air compressor, and $70-$100 'system' that you can buy, and some kind of liquid to clean them, not normal injector cleaning stuff, but the kind made for the kits. Just remove the oil pack & check for any cracks on it. If any cracks are found, replace it.

Also spraying carb cleaner around the engine, like the intake manifold, all hoses, and etc to check for a vacuum leak (however since yours wont stay running then it wouldn't work). But if you can get it to stay running, if you spray & the rpms pick up, then carb cleaner is getting sucked into the engine.

May not be a bad idea to run some seafoam in the gas take along with fuel injector cleaner anyways. And isn't a bad idea to get compression tested on the engine.
You can clean throttle body's with carb cleaner right??
__________________
96 Ford Ranger 2.3 - Loads of mods
03 DSG Mustang GT 5 spd- CAI, Flowmaster cat back, Sequential tail lights, 70mm T.B. 265/305
1992 GMC C1500 4.3 Long Bed 91K
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  #13  
Old 05-03-2013, 06:36 AM
fmlrommel fmlrommel is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l frustration

cleaned the throttle body well already, ive ran some seafoam in it a few times, i can borrow a cleaner tool, and there are no check engine LIGHTS on. that doesnt mean im not throwing codes.... i need to hook it up to diag tool again.... ill inspect the coil packs later as well... thanks for the input, ill let ya;s know how it goes
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1989 ford ranger 2.3l 5 speed mazda -235/85R15 BFG T/A's - recent fixes: new plugs, new wires, cleaned throttle body, new fuel filter. had rusted out filler neck flange: got a new one, thoroughly cleaned tank, new pump, another new filter, cleaner, IAT sensor, new CTS
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  #14  
Old 05-04-2013, 10:05 AM
fmlrommel fmlrommel is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l frustration

its home, tested fuel pressure, before start up, pressure never exceeded 20 psi, and of course it started this time, but never exceeded 32psi. disconnected the line on the tank side of the fuel filter and turned key on for 5 seconds. got less than 2 ounces of fuel... thinking perhaps the new pump is junk
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1989 ford ranger 2.3l 5 speed mazda -235/85R15 BFG T/A's - recent fixes: new plugs, new wires, cleaned throttle body, new fuel filter. had rusted out filler neck flange: got a new one, thoroughly cleaned tank, new pump, another new filter, cleaner, IAT sensor, new CTS
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  #15  
Old 05-07-2013, 03:20 PM
fmlrommel fmlrommel is offline
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Default Re: 2.3l frustration

ran a scan:
33-not enough EGR flow
77 op error not snapped
21-cool temp sens
42-EGO not switching, rich exhuast

and i yes snapped the throttle, maybe not long enough? thinking cat might be blocked.. idk
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1989 ford ranger 2.3l 5 speed mazda -235/85R15 BFG T/A's - recent fixes: new plugs, new wires, cleaned throttle body, new fuel filter. had rusted out filler neck flange: got a new one, thoroughly cleaned tank, new pump, another new filter, cleaner, IAT sensor, new CTS
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2.3, poor acceleration, poor idle, poor mpg, stall

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