2.9 problems

[jglimpse]

So I have a 87 ranger with high miles lots of oil leaks, so the thing was just running poorly, would feel like it was running out of gas from time to time changed the fuel filter, cap, rotor, wires, all the regular tune up stuff. With no change in how the truck runs. So a buddy had a truck that ran good no oil leaks same year same motor 4x4 every thing the same as my truck except his was standard cab. So I bought his truck took out the motor and trans and Tcase put it in my truck and it runs the same as mine did any ideas what may be causeing this problem? I have already swapped the computers checked the timing all the wiring plugs every thing seems to be fine. Thanks in advance for the help!!!

[87Ranger4me]

I would have to say it must be in the fuel system somewhere, like the fuel pump in the tank or one of the two filters along the frame rail. Man, thats a lot of work to go through just to have it run the same, I hope its something simple. Oh, did you use all the sensors and distributer from the new one or the old one. If you took all the "electronics" from the donor truck, then it pretty much has to be the fuel system.

[MAKG]

Does "checking the wiring" invovle a voltmeter? It should.

[almostclueless]

Yep.....wiring for the fuel pumps, inertia switch, the whole chain.


Face it. It's a 20 year old computerized vehicle. You need wiring diagrams, a basic knowledge or electricity, and the diligence to check it all.

[jglimpse]

I left all the sensors and dist on the motor I didn't even realize there was 2 fuel filters on that thing I better check that out first thing!!!! Also I haven't used the voltmeter yet just got it running last night it was late and I just checked to make sure everything was plugged in right. Thanks guys

[almostclueless]

I meant the truck's wiring, what wasn't changed.


I've had a RBV of that vintage with a fuel pump power problem. Chassis wiring problem.

[rickcdewitt]

did you check fuel pressure or pull codes?

[Jspafford]

Did you swap the fuel pressure regulator from your old motor to the new one?

[fordman49450]

what about plugged exhaust?

[MAKG]

Plugged exhaust doesn't sound right (that wouldn't be intermittent -- it would just be high throttle/high RPM), but it's easily checked for with a vacuum gauge.

[jglimpse]

I haven't had time to check it out anymore the last few days but it seems most people are leaning towards the fuel system so I'll start there thanks for the help I'll let you guys know what happens

[jglimpse]

Ok so I was going to mess with the truck again last night but when I got out there and tried to start it the battery was dead so I put it on the charger. As soon as I turned on the charger the fuel pump started running, the key wasn't even in the ignition. Also how do I check the fuel pressure? I think my problem is fuel related, so now its just tracking it down now any more help would be great thanks

[rickcdewitt]

my 88 did that,the fuel pump relay was stuck on.it would click on when you put the battery terminals on.it should be on the passenger side inner fender well near the fuse box.its about 1" square,plastic plug in cube.if the fuel pump turns off then you pulled the right relay.replace it with the relay from your parts truck.if thats not it then it might be the computer or a short?

[rickcdewitt]

don't you have a 91 or was it the 87 that got the 6" skykracker lift?bronco spring flex shots?

[86XLT]

i had an experience with my 2.9...started out as a very intermittent miss at highway speeds...i couldnt figure out why then 2 months later, it wouldnt hardly run...shaking really bad, no power....happened to be a corroded ground after 3 months of scratching my head and throwing parts at it, wich gets expensive...i would check your ground wires. Josh

[Ranger5.0]

man, non of this sounds good at all......you replaced the ENGINE without properly diagnosing the problem yours had? buddy, that juss aint right. It sounds like your having electrical issues...get some good schmatics for the wiring, and maybe check for codes....maybe take some time to get a general undrstanding of how the engine operates befor tearing into things.

[smmcgll]

haha mine did the same thing i went threw 3 motors trying to figure it out so i replaced the whole fuel system both the pumps the filters and that worked for me. i would have the codes pulled out of it first then go from there.

[jglimpse]

Ok so I got it figured out last night it was the fuel pump. I had tested the fuel pump and it seemed good, good pressure. But apparently it had good pressure when you first start it up but then after it ran for a bit it was losing pressure. So I changed the pump and the truck runs great!! One more time thank you guys 4 all the help.

[rickcdewitt]

Ok so I got it figured out last night it was the fuel pump. I had tested the fuel pump and it seemed good, good pressure. But apparently it had good pressure when you first start it up but then after it ran for a bit it was losing pressure. So I changed the pump and the truck runs great!! One more time thank you guys 4 all the help.
right on! those quail better watch out now that you can get out to them.i've had 20-30 a day in my yard i just need to find a way to keep the neighbors from complaining about shotgun blasts:D