I have a question about my truck. I currently have 175k on my '95 Ranger. I have no power, and I am getting around 13-14 mpg. I am reading that most people are getting better than that.

Here is what I am seeing in my truck. I have no power whatsoever. I can put 5 small boxes of books in my bed, and my truck cannot make it up a hill without a running start. I know that a 3.0 V6 would be better on the power, but my truck should not be that sluggish. Also, the cost of filling the truck is immense. With a 24 gallon tank in that truck, it will last maybe 260 miles. Since I never run it to completely empty, I am guessing it is about 13-14 mpg.

I have kept up with oil changes, replaced all the wires, plugs, shocks, fuel filter, air filter, and all of that sort of stuff. Some threads I saw on different websites mentioned replacing the catalytic converter. Do I need to do that? Or, is there something else that would be recommended for the mgp and power issue?

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'95 Ford Ranger XLT - 2.3L - 5 speed - Falken Rocky Mountain AT/S

If they're factory definitely

Clogged cats will make it run bad. Does the tail pipe kind of sputter and back fire?

It does not backfire, but it does sputter a bit. No even sound coming from the engine. Should I take it to a shop and have them look to see if it needs to be replaced?

Wouldn't hurt to have it checked.

Just don't want to tell you 100% that's it because there's always a million things it could be. And cats are expensive... just like any other pussy

Your check engine light on by any chance?

There are a couple of code for Catalytic converter efficiency which may give you a better idea of what may or may not be wrong.

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1995 2WD, 4 Cylinder, 5 Speed

Yes. The check engine light has been on for some time, but the only code they pulled from it was an erg code that I was told would not overly affect gas mileage. Is that correct?

Not knowing the code I'd just be guessing there are a few for the EGR system.

But yea codes don't normally help the thing run better.

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1995 2WD, 4 Cylinder, 5 Speed

You dont have to run it "complety dry" to figure gas milage. Next time you fil it up reset your tripometer.....drive it 100 miles or so, then refill it. Take the gallons it took to refill it and divide it by the miles driven (example: drive 100 miles and it takes 5.9 gallons to refill it 100 divided by 5.9= 16.9 miles) I have a 4 banger and only get 15 to 17 City and 23 to 25 Highway. So I imagine 14 to 17 isnt bad for a 6 cylinder. IF your Cat is clogged YES it will effect gas milage in a negative way. Most people just do away with them (If your state doesent have inspections) And YES a dirty EGR valve/system will kill gas mileage too. Sorry I dont have any input on how to fix it. But do some research by first getting your codes read, then use the search function on this forum. Chances are you will find someone with your same symptoms. Or at least go to the " how to" section and learn how to clean your EGR valve and see if that helps. Good Luck with your Truck!

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Red 1994 Mazda B2300 Base Model With A/C--2.3L--140cid-100hp--4Cyl--D.I.S. Engine Code [A]--Bosch (4505) Fusion Iradium Spark Plugs-- "Cheap" 8mm Silicone Plug Wires--Gatorback Belt--Blocked Off/Disabled EGR Valve--Coil Mod--Throttle Cable Mod--Magnaflow Muffler/No CAT--5 Speed M5R1-RWD--3.45 Non Limited Slip Rear End---Lowered 5" Rear 3 1/2" Front---269,000 Miles as of 11/1/2013---If its a Ford you will need to keep a lot of tools and a good fire extinguisher handy.

An easy way to check if your catalytic converter is bad is by using a laser thermometer. If a catalytic converter is working the way it should, the fumes should come out hotter than it went in. So to test this you let the car warm up to running temperature, once it's there you use the thermometer to get the heat from the front of the catalytic converter, then you check the temperature after the converter. If its the same temperature then the catalytic converter is bad, if it's hotter then it's working fine. I found out that two of my converters were plugged this way.

I'm needing to get a new CAT for my '95. (Someone stole the one off my truck before I bought it.)

In my search I found this which doesn't seem to be that expensive and is made by someone I recognize.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Flowmaster/389/2020031/10002/-1

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1995 2WD, 4 Cylinder, 5 Speed

Usually when cats are bad you might smell rotten eggs. If you have a very minor vacuum leak that could be an issue as well. Chances are the cats might be clogging because completely clogged cats won't let it run at all (obviously).

The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system should not effect your mileage or cause the truck to run the way it is regardless of is operating status. I drove 1,400 miles on a failing EGR system and the truck didn't drive any different than it has on any other day of the year.

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Tim IRONMAN "The bowler" Eagle Scout
1999 Ford Ranger XLT 2.5l 5spd N/A std cab
Lowered 4/6, Intake, Exhaust, Centerlines, and BFG T/A's. Much more
Kicker speakers and 10" Kicker sub with 1,220 watts.
2.3 turbo being built; the Ranger with the iron lung.

1984 Porsche 944 N/A (totaled by old grandma)