Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts!

Go Back   Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! > >
Forgot Password? Join Us!

Welcome to Ford Ranger Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread

  #1  
Old 05-15-2010, 08:24 AM
wilson wilson is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 13
Default I need a fuel additive!

The last few months I have noticed my '99 Ranger spits and sputters for the first 20 miles or so when it sits in the garage for a day or two. I've been thinking since the gov't decided it would be a wonderful thing to increase the ethanol content of our gasoline nationwide i began having issues with my engine. In addition I had to remove half my lawn mower carburetor and clean out the sediment three times until i could keep it running long enough to finish the lawn.
Now tell me why adding ethanol to the gasoline and reducing gas mileage in the process making the U.S. driver consume MORE gasoline getting from point A to point B is helping the consumption issue the gov't keeps telling us is our problem in lifestyle in addition to frustrating owners who can't figure out why their engines aren't running correctly is a better existence for us all?
Knowing we can't fight city hall I have a plan which perhaps some of you can help formulate....I am sure there is a chemical additive I can put in my tank to offset the harmful effects of ethanol on the internal workings of the combustion engine....in other words; nutralize the corrupt nature of ethanol. Anyone out there a chemist with the answer? I wish to make perfectly clear i am not making an issue of the political machine with their heads so far up their butts that seeing the light of day is an impossibility which has rammed another stupid idea down America's throat with ethanol in gasoline; I'm just a simple country boy trying to get my 11-year-old Ranger to run a bit better; increase my gas mileage a tiny bit; and happily drive as far away as I can from Washington, D. C. !
__________________
wilson
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-17-2010, 03:39 AM
richarddhoward richarddhoward is offline
Road Trippin' King!
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,007
Send a message via MSN to richarddhoward
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

Ethanol in the fuel means you are burning it as a fuel, yes it sucks but it consumes less petroleum based fuel that comes from outside sources, that is the consumption they speak of. Most of the fuel where I am comes from Alaska anyway, well the oil to make it. It sounds like you have a fuel system problem not an ethanol problem, like you need to change your fuel filter or something. Run some IsoHeet and some kind of fuel system cleaner through your truck and see if that helps. I use Lucas. There isn't actually anything harmful about ethanol other than it doesn't burn as well as gasoline, it doesn't have the same energy content. Personally I hate it too, but it's inevitable. Thank the hippies. Your best bet is do a full tune up on the truck as well. Then find a station that doesn't use ethanol at all in their fuel. Good luck finding one though
__________________
97 Ranger - 4.0 V6 auto, 4wd, 31x10.5x15s Wild Country XTX Sport All Terrains, Warn locking hubs, Pioneer deck with iPod attachment, Snugtop Topper, K&N filter, scan gauge II, Hella 500 Lights, More parts coming, waiting for the paycheck to get bigger!

Truck built in loving memory of Norm Howard
Outcast Racing
PNW Crew!!!
Afterhours Clan!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaron_ariens View Post
I think Henry just shit himself
Quote:
Originally Posted by Radness View Post
Its kind of like that carnival game "Whack A Mole" but with guns! Haha
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-18-2010, 04:46 AM
wilson wilson is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 13
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

All your advice is good, Richard! Unfortunately, I have already done all you suggest and more but I still have hesitation and sputtering intermittantly. I have replaced plugs and wires and the coil pack and use Lucas additive.
The problem with ethanol is it doesn't belong in the fuel tank. I for one support legislation to remove it from gasoline. It doesn't solve any problems and just creates more.
__________________
wilson
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-18-2010, 05:41 AM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
Blinded by the light
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,674
Send a message via AIM to FireRanger
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

The additive you want a chemist to design already exists and has for some time now. It is widely used in boats and power equipment. Any boating or power equipment store should have it. I don't know the name off the top of my head but they'll know what you're talking about. They sell it by the ton.

I feel your pain with the damage it causes. However it is unlikely the cause of the problems in your truck. Something else is wrong.
__________________
(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-20-2010, 06:00 AM
wilson wilson is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 13
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

I have found an ethanol-free service station near me and have filled my tank. The first two days after doing so have shown no improvement; however; yesterday being the third day after the fill showed no sputtering and a bit more power. I expect this is the answer I have been seeking, but of course time will tell.
__________________
wilson
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 05-20-2010, 06:17 AM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
Blinded by the light
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,674
Send a message via AIM to FireRanger
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

You're lucky to have such a station. Most people aren't so lucky.
__________________
(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 05-20-2010, 07:01 AM
92 coupe 92 coupe is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 13
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

sea foam is the best additive i have seen. Read the can and put it in through the intake.
__________________
98 ford ranger 2.5 w/ warrior wheels, and K&n filter. 120hp/110 torque

92 coupe mustang w/AFR heads,trick flow stage 1 cam , 650 holley carb, on top of eldebrock air gap intake.C-4 tranny w/4200 stall. 408hp/342 torque.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-20-2010, 07:35 AM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
Blinded by the light
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,674
Send a message via AIM to FireRanger
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

Seafoam is not going to counteract the continous harmfull effects of ethenol on gasoline engine components. It might get you a one-shot clean out which is great. But if you are having continuous problems, it won't help. This is especially true on small power equipment and boat motors. Most cars can handle it but some just get pissed off.
__________________
(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06-10-2010, 06:01 AM
wilson wilson is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 13
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

Sta-bil is the answer! This fuel additive product is widely available and has corrected the engine coughing problem in my Ranger and my lawnmower!
__________________
wilson
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 06-10-2010, 06:36 AM
Daedalus Daedalus is offline
Ford Motor Company
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 125
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

Quote:
Originally Posted by richarddhoward View Post
Ethanol in the fuel means you are burning it as a fuel, yes it sucks but it consumes less petroleum based fuel that comes from outside sources, that is the consumption they speak of.
Problem with that idea is they add 10% ethanol and my fuel mileage goes down 10-15% and it runs like hell. So theres no less actual gas being used since I burn more gas when it has ethanol in it. The 10% ethanol in gas thing is just yet another handout to the corn farmers....


If you live in western PA find yourself a Red Apple/Kwik Fill station. They all have ethanol free gas for now, though i dont know how long thats gonna last....
__________________
92 Ranger XLT 2.3L I4 w/ 5 speed manual. Bone Stock, looking to mod when funds allow.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 06-11-2010, 03:55 AM
wilson wilson is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 13
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

O.K. here's another thought....getting Congress to get rid of ethanol in the fuel is probably not doable and ethanol-free stations will disappear so the additive Stabil in my mind is the best solution.
__________________
wilson
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 06-14-2010, 06:25 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,268
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

Why do I feel this thread was preordained from the outset
__________________
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).
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 06-21-2010, 07:59 PM
1STranger 1STranger is offline
Liking the Ford Ranger Forum
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 19
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

i'm not going to flat out say that ethanol is good or bad but instead talk about the good and the bad.

Just because your truck is running like shit doesn't mean you should flip out about the damn hippy democrat bureaucratic farmer lovin good for nothin politicians.
When my last car started misfiring in the rain i didn't go on a forum and curse the damn clouds. i fixed my cars real problem and moved on.

First of all, ethanol was added to gas to increase the octane level when MBTE was banned for its tendency to pollute groundwater. You know...the stuff we drink...to live.

ethanol is a solvent and a damn strong one at that. many fuel systems where not built with compatible materials in the fuel pumps, lines, gaskets, injectors. etc to stand up to long term exposure to ethanol.

Have you checked your fuel pressure? ethanol may have messed your fuel pump up prematurely.

Have you done compression checks? Vacuum leaks? any type of diagnosis?

Do a little research and you might realize that ethanol may make a big impact on reducing the amount of money leaving the U.S. for oil. Ethanol can produce nearly as much power as gasoline in an engine built for ethanol. new technologies are coming out that can exploit the potential of ethanol and still remain bi-fuel.

If you don't want to research ethanol at least research how to fix your own truck.

Last thing, gasoline rarely has 10% ethanol in it. Shits expensive. they put as little as they possible can in.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 07-31-2010, 07:46 PM
wilson wilson is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 13
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

The fuel additive situation appears to have been a false problem. The real problem appears to have been wrong or misdesigned spark plugs. I have replaced the platinum motorcraft plugs which are only a year old with Autolite Iridium and the truck is now running fine. Last week the check engine light came on because the engine was running so poorly so I took it to AutoZone and the analyzer said it was a #5 cylinder misfire. I will get my money back for the platinum plugs @ 4.99 each. The Iridiums cost 6.57 each.
__________________
wilson
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 08-01-2010, 04:02 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,268
Default Re: I need a fuel additive!

Quote:
Originally Posted by wilson View Post
The fuel additive situation appears to have been a false problem. The real problem appears to have been wrong or misdesigned spark plugs. I have replaced the platinum motorcraft plugs which are only a year old with Autolite Iridium and the truck is now running fine. Last week the check engine light came on because the engine was running so poorly so I took it to AutoZone and the analyzer said it was a #5 cylinder misfire. I will get my money back for the platinum plugs @ 4.99 each. The Iridiums cost 6.57 each.
can i get the 5 minutes i just wasted back
__________________
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).
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Fuel Sensor...Fuel Pump...???? vang0017 4.0 SOHC / 4.0 OHV Tech 23 10-26-2015 11:58 AM
Flex fuel bob-ranger 3.0 Vulcan Tech 0 02-08-2010 07:08 AM
3.0 fuel issue lownslow95 3.0 Vulcan Tech 1 02-03-2010 12:19 PM
Fuel gauges LAndrus Interior Tech 0 01-20-2010 04:53 AM
fuel pressure HandmedownRanger 4-Cylinder Tech 4 08-30-2009 08:21 PM