88 Ford Ranger

[oldbugger]

Old Rusty, as my wife calls it, is my plow truck here in Mi. Runs good for a 400 $ truck, except when it warms up. Its wierd, sometimes, not always, has a big bog when stepping on the gas, then quits, starts right back up and runs good for a minute or two, then does it again. I changed the in tank fuel pump, air valve for the intake, plugs, wires. It's a 2300 4cyl. any thoughts?

[scicala]

Have you ever replaced the fuel filter ? Coud be the problem.

Sal

[KULTULZ]

... except when it warms up. Its wierd, sometimes, not always, has a big bog when stepping on the gas, then quits, starts right back up and runs good for a minute or two, then does it again. I changed the in tank fuel pump, air valve ...

CARB or EFI?

AIR VALVE (?)

[oldbugger]

EFI, air valve, its attached to the air cleaner housing, "idle air valve"? sorry not up on EFI stuff, give a carb any day.

[oldbugger]

Originally Posted by scicala

Have you ever replaced the fuel filter ? Coud be the problem.

Sal

changed the one in the tank, and one on the inside of the frame, is there more of them

[rjlester]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Clean the throttle body if you haven't already.

[oldbugger]

thanks guys for the help

[scicala]

Originally Posted by oldbugger

changed the one in the tank, and one on the inside of the frame, is there more of them

Those are the only two fiters. The pick up sock in the tank and the round metal filter on the frame rail by the high pressure pump.
Have you checked the fuel pressure when this happens ?
If I remember right it should be 32 PSI with the vacuum line on the regulator at idle, and 40 PSI with the vacuum line disconnected at the regulator (simulating wide open throttle).

Maybe scan the procesor for trouble codes too.

Sal

[KULTULZ]

It sounds to me ... ... as once it comes off the enrichment circuit (cold start), she goes lean.

I am a$$-u-me(ing) it is an EFI SYSTEM with a SGL THROAT THROTTLE BODY. It is EEC-IV OBD-II. The ECM needs to be scanned for any possible code(s).

Did you have a fuel pressure gauge when replacing the pump?

It idles fine at cold start but when the fast idle comes down she stutters?

Is the throttle body carboned up? There is also an IAC (IDLE AIR CONTROL) MOTOR on the side of the TB that will get gummed up as the PCV SYSTEM unloads there. Then you also have a COOLANT TEMP SENSOR that goes because the coolant is never changed and an AIR INLET TEMP SENSOR.

You can scan the ECM manually if you have the patience.

[oldbugger]

now you have overloaded me with info. Thanks I will see what i can figure out. On this one the idle air control is by the air cleaner, and i replaced that, seemed to help for a week or so then back to the same thing. I guess i should drive it more, but its not road worthy and it hardly snows here any more. ha ha

[Daves55Sedan]

If I'm not mistaken, '88 was the last year for carburators before EFI took over in '89. Sounds to me like junk in the gas tank is bunching up around the sock and starving out the carb for gas, but once it is shut off, there's no more suction and the junk falls off around the sock, so the engine can start again, for a little while until the situation repeats itself. Either that or clogged fuel filter.
For refernece, I use those cheap clear-plastic inline fuel filters in both my jalopies and they never last longer than one year, even though I don't run them much anymore.

[oldbugger]

Originally Posted by Daves55Sedan

If I'm not mistaken, '88 was the last year for carburators before EFI took over in '89. Sounds to me like junk in the gas tank is bunching up around the sock and starving out the carb for gas, but once it is shut off, there's no more suction and the junk falls off around the sock, so the engine can start again, for a little while until the situation repeats itself. Either that or clogged fuel filter.
For refernece, I use those cheap clear-plastic inline fuel filters in both my jalopies and they never last longer than one year, even though I don't run them much anymore.

thanks Dave, the tank was new when i put the new fuel pump in,so shouldnt be too dirty. It is EFI, maybe an 89 never got the title. It is only driven on my property and not often enough

[KULTULZ]

It is EFI, correct? This year had two pumps, one a transfer pump in the tank and the other, the high pressure pump on the rail.

Could also be a vacuum leak, EGR VALVE or possibly a fuel pressure regulator.

You actually need a FORD WSM to go through the DIAGNOSTIC ROUTINE before dumping any more $$$ on it.

[craig]

If it is an '88, 2.3 it's a DOHC engine with a plastic intake manifold. The manifolds did crack, creating a vac leak, that usually won't throw trouble code. Sometimes you can find a vac leak with carb cleaner spray, just stay clear of the ignition system

[scicala]

Originally Posted by Daves55Sedan

If I'm not mistaken, '88 was the last year for carburators before EFI took over in '89. Sounds to me like junk in the gas tank is bunching up around the sock and starving out the carb for gas, but once it is shut off, there's no more suction and the junk falls off around the sock, so the engine can start again, for a little while until the situation repeats itself. Either that or clogged fuel filter.
For refernece, I use those cheap clear-plastic inline fuel filters in both my jalopies and they never last longer than one year, even though I don't run them much anymore.

In '88 the 2.3L Ranger was EFI, and the 2.0L 4 cyl. still used a carburetor.
This one is a 2.3L EFI, and yes the IAC was mounted to the air cleaner box with a hose going to the throttle body.

Sal

[oldbugger]

Yes, thats the one. when i mess with the IAC hose by taking it partial off the thing runs nice. thats why i replaced the IAC. but that was not the permanent fix, but makes me think i am on the right track.

[oldbugger]

Originally Posted by scicala

In '88 the 2.3L Ranger was EFI, and the 2.0L 4 cyl. still used a carburetor.
This one is a 2.3L EFI, and yes the IAC was mounted to the air cleaner box with a hose going to the throttle body.

Sal

thanks Sal

[KULTULZ]

... the IAC was mounted to the air cleaner box with a hose going to the throttle body.

oldbugger -

R U able to take and post photos? I surely would like to see how the engine is setup.

[oldbugger]

I am able to take pictures with my phone, but posting dont work for me. sorry

[KULTULZ]

THANX! for trying ...

[KULTULZ]

It's as simple as this -

One can play the I 'CAN NAME THE PROBLEM IN ONE NOTE' 'till the cows come home or actually try to narrow the problem(s) ...

https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...ipped-engines/

If you pull a code (with or without scanner - WSM), simply enter the code in GIGGLE and it should take you there.

[KULTULZ]

Was sent some photos to try and find out how and hopefully why an IAC MOTOR is remote mounted. I have never seen this ...

After my OLD GUY HAPPY HOUR (zzz), I will try and discover how this works ...

[scicala]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Was sent some photos to try and find out how and hopefully why an IAC MOTOR is remote mounted. I have never seen this ...

After my OLD GUY HAPPY HOUR (zzz), I will try and discover how this works ...

I worked at Ford Powertrain Engineering engine calibration for Ranger, Bronco II and Aerostar in '88.
That's the way they did it on the 2.3L Ranger EFI. It's the only one I've seen like that in all my years at Ford.

Sal

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by scicala

I worked at Ford Powertrain Engineering engine calibration for Ranger, Bronco II and Aerostar in '88.

That's the way they did it on the 2.3L Ranger EFI. It's the only one I've seen like that in all my years at Ford.

Sal

THANX! for that Sal ...

Trying to figure out how and why ...

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

It sounds to me ... ... as once it comes off the enrichment circuit (cold start), she goes lean.

I am a$$-u-me(ing) it is an EFI SYSTEM with a SGL THROAT THROTTLE BODY. It is EEC-IV OBD-II. The ECM needs to be scanned for any possible code(s).

OBD-I dumba$$ ...

Getting hard to find qualified help ...

The only thing I know is to scan the ECM. At least that should give you some indication as to where to start.

I have an early scanner but it hasn't seen day-lite for twenty years (similar to my sex life).

FORD SERVICE LITERATURE is $$$, even used. I don't know if a HAYNES MANUAL would help you through diagnostics. Being off-road and if near a salvage yard, you could convert it back to carb.

Maybe browse through this site - https://www.therangerstation.com/

I am still trying to figure out why for the offset IAC. Must have been in the drunk tank during that period ...

[oldbugger]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

OBD-I dumba$$ ...

Getting hard to find qualified help ...

The only thing I know is to scan the ECM. At least that should give you some indication as to where to start.

I have an early scanner but it hasn't seen day-lite for twenty years (similar to my sex life).

FORD SERVICE LITERATURE is $$$, even used. I don't know if a HAYNES MANUAL would help you through diagnostics. Being off-road and if near a salvage yard, you could convert it back to carb.

Maybe browse through this site - https://www.therangerstation.com/

I am still trying to figure out why for the offset IAC. Must have been in the drunk tank during that period ...

Thanks Kultulz, that ranger site has a lot of info. If i could find a used 1987 carb i would do that in a minute. Thinking it would need the manifold also.

[KULTULZ]

I don't have the design progress sequence for light truck.

Pre-1988 may be a throttle body (CFI/TBI) or possibly a feedback carb. I don't know off-hand how far you would have to go back for true carbureted fuel and ignition.

Have you thought of trying to pull codes with that other page I posted?

[oldbugger]

I noticed on that ranger site that 87 had a 2bb carb I may keep my eyes open at the local yards for prospects. I have a code reader for later vehicles but am in the dark for those early ones. thanks for all the codes and everything, if i find someone local who will check for me, that will be great. Not looking to spend much on "old rusty"

[scicala]

To convert to a carburetor will be quite ivolved, work and money wise. You will need a a pre- EFI distributor along with a carburetor and manifold. You'll also have to take the ECM out of the picture and eliminate the high pressure fuel pump and use an electric pump with regulator to get the correct pressure for a carburetor. Among other things I'm sure.
Just my opinion, but it's best to repair the problem with your current set up. There should be a garage around that can pull codes from an OBD I system.
There is a way to get codes without a scan tool, but I forgot how to hook it up. It involves using an analog volt meter and counting the number of times the needle sweeps the scale. Sorry I can't remember the details.
Also, might try checking the fuel pressure at the shrader valve on the fuel rail, or checking out the MAP sensor system. I have seen the vacuum line to the MAP sensor plugged with carbon before, where it attaches to the intake manifold.

Sal

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by scicala

To convert to a carburetor will be quite ivolved, work and money wise. You will need a a pre- EFI distributor along with a carburetor and manifold. You'll also have to take the ECM out of the picture and eliminate the high pressure fuel pump and use an electric pump with regulator to get the correct pressure for a carburetor. Among other things I'm sure.

Just my opinion, but it's best to repair the problem with your current set up.

Also my thoughts exactly. The only way I would attempt it is to have a correct donor(s).

There is a way to get codes without a scan tool, but I forgot how to hook it up. It involves using an analog volt meter and counting the number of times the needle sweeps the scale. Sorry I can't remember the details.

Here is a TECH ARTICLE to guide you - https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...ipped-engines/

[KULTULZ]

This is driving me nuts ...

The IAC on the air box ...

There is a smaller hose that runs to the TB in some way?

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by oldbugger

I noticed on that ranger site that 87 had a 2bb carb I may keep my eyes open at the local yards for prospects. I have a code reader for later vehicles but am in the dark for those early ones. thanks for all the codes and everything, if i find someone local who will check for me, that will be great. Not looking to spend much on "old rusty"

Read thru this thread- https://www.therangerstation.com/for...t-idle.113090/

Maybe it will help in some way. It has to be scanned for codes, ain't no way around it. You are working blind without a scanner.

Ford Ranger 4-Cylinder Engines -

https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...inder-engines/

[oldbugger]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

This is driving me nuts ...

The IAC on the air box ...

There is a smaller hose that runs to the TB in some way?

I think the smaller black hose in the picture is the one from the IAC to the TB

[scicala]

"Here is a TECH ARTICLE to guide you - https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...ipped-engines/"

That's the analog volt meter method I was talking about. Thank you KULTULZ !

Sal

[KULTULZ]

Here are OBD-I scanners (FORD) discussed -

https://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/...market-review/

[oldbugger]

Thanks Kultulz, Ill check it out

[KULTULZ]

I think it would be much simpler to diagnose and repair (modify) what you have as to go to a swap. You would need a 1974 donor (carb - points) at the least.

Keep us posted.

[oldbugger]

warmed old rusty up today, after checking the vacuum on the top of the throttle body, which was normal. Also cleaned some of the throttle body by opening it wide and spraying what i could. it seemed to run a bit better but still acts like it would if it was a carb with a bad accelerator pump. I will keep digging, maybe take off the throttle body and give it a proper cleaning

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by oldbugger

warmed old rusty up today, after checking the vacuum on the top of the throttle body, which was normal. Also cleaned some of the throttle body by opening it wide and spraying what i could. it seemed to run a bit better but still acts like it would if it was a carb with a bad accelerator pump. I will keep digging, maybe take off the throttle body and give it a proper cleaning

You know you are beating yourself to death, don't you?

$33.00 - https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3145-F.../dp/B000EW0KHW

A whole lot cheaper than a parts cannon ...

[oldbugger]

Thanks, yes I am probably beating myself to death, but me and technology rarely can get along. I will take your advice once I'm black and blue. Thanks again

[rotorwrench]

1988 with OBD 1 is getting back there in an era where they were trying to develop the technology with very little standardization yet. The pressure regulator can only be checked with a fuel manifold pressure gauge. If it has a check valve then it has to hold pressure and should maintain it for a while after the engine is shut down. The scanner for those systems should read MAP and throttle position in the normal range. It likely won't have any fuel pressure monitoring capability and that's why it won't throw a code.

[KULTULZ]

It likely won't have any fuel pressure monitoring capability and that's why it won't throw a code.

In addition there may be code(s) thrown for the O2 SENSOR(s).

All of this is shiat simple. The vehicle has an ECM. You read what it has recorded.

If it points to a fuel pressure/delivery volume problem, you use a fuel pressure gauge.

The FORD WSM for the particular vehicle has a COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC SEQUENCE that gives step by step instructions to diagnose a problem(s).

The TECH uses this, pulls codes, checks for any applicable TSB's and goes into diagnostics from there.

Hosting guessing games on message boards ain't gonna get it.

Pointing a PARTS CANNON at it and buying CHI-COM parts ain't gonna get it.

[scicala]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

In addition there may be code(s) thrown for the O2 SENSOR(s).

All of this is shiat simple. The vehicle has an ECM. You read what it has recorded.

If it points to a fuel pressure/delivery volume problem, you use a fuel pressure gauge.

The FORD WSM for the particular vehicle has a COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC SEQUENCE that gives step by step instructions to diagnose a problem(s).

The TECH uses this, pulls codes, checks for any applicable TSB's and goes into diagnostics from there.

Hosting guessing games on message boards ain't gonna get it.

Pointing a PARTS CANNON at it and buying CHI-COM parts ain't gonna get it.

Pretty sure '88 Ranger was just two digit trouble codes.

Sal

[KULTULZ]

Pretty sure '88 Ranger was just two digit trouble codes.

You're right but I was trying to make a point.

Here is a two character code chart - https://www.troublecodes.net/ford/#codesobd1

There are references to fuel. A code (or combination) may not point directly to fuel delivery but it should point you in that direction. A fuel pressure gauge (EFI) is necessary to properly diagnose if the code(s) lead you in that direction.