Shran
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V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
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- Mar 4, 2008
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- Rapid City SD
- Engine Type
- V8
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- 5.0
Need some suggestions about how to start troubleshooting this.
'88 Ranger 2.3
The problem: the engine has a moderate to severe sputter, miss, whatever you want to call it immediately after a cold start. Seems to get progressively worse as the weather gets colder - warmer days it is not so bad.
It is very predictable - EVERY cold start, it happens, in fact on my way to work I can pick out the exact spot on the highway that it smooths out and runs better. You can literally feel it, it's like a sudden burst of power. It takes about 2 miles of driving for this to occur.
When the engine is warm it runs normally except for a very slight hesitation every 5 seconds or so and only at idle.
Other important information: The engine itself has been rebuilt and has about 10,000 miles on it. The only modification done is that it was bored 30 over stock. Brand new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, timing belt set, etc. I did not replace any sensors during the rebuild process and the timing was set to spec, whatever that is, I forget. Fuel pressure is within spec as well.
I feel like this is an ignition or timing problem, like perhaps the distributor is not advancing enough, or too far, or something. Thoughts?
'88 Ranger 2.3
The problem: the engine has a moderate to severe sputter, miss, whatever you want to call it immediately after a cold start. Seems to get progressively worse as the weather gets colder - warmer days it is not so bad.
It is very predictable - EVERY cold start, it happens, in fact on my way to work I can pick out the exact spot on the highway that it smooths out and runs better. You can literally feel it, it's like a sudden burst of power. It takes about 2 miles of driving for this to occur.
When the engine is warm it runs normally except for a very slight hesitation every 5 seconds or so and only at idle.
Other important information: The engine itself has been rebuilt and has about 10,000 miles on it. The only modification done is that it was bored 30 over stock. Brand new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, timing belt set, etc. I did not replace any sensors during the rebuild process and the timing was set to spec, whatever that is, I forget. Fuel pressure is within spec as well.
I feel like this is an ignition or timing problem, like perhaps the distributor is not advancing enough, or too far, or something. Thoughts?