help?

So i've got a 94 2.3 ranger, ca model. It's been running pretty good lately, but bucks on acceleration. Seems to be dramatically increased in hot weather, and almost non existant in colder weather (sub 65 degree temps) any ideas? could a bad maf be the culprit?

I have 94 2.3 as well, Had the same problem. Turns out some how the cam shaft pulley jumped a tooth on the timing belt making it like 8 degrees retarded, it ran fine and sounded fine just didn't have any torque. Loosened up the tensioner and put it back so it was about 2 degrees advanced, and it seemed to solve the problem.

I just checked the timing not that long ago and it's been doing this for a while. anyone else have any ideas?

This probably doesn't apply but...my Tempo used to act up as soon as the weather got warm...would otherwise run fine and didn't always do it....turned out to be the fuel pump...not once, not twice, but THREE times...it was an 89 and there apparently were issues with the seal on the pump...it would expand in warm weather or otherwise disintigrate over time...all three were covered under warranty...

However, the last time this happened they replaced the fuel pump and it did not change anything...they (as in Canadian Tire) then changed the engine and in the process...screwed the transmission...in the process of this an idiot mechanic used his hammer on my disk brake and bent it (frustrated because it took them two weeks)...finally got it back after $2,000 or so dollars and drove all the way home with no problems (this was in the winter so I didn't suspect the fuel pump...but, oh well)...

Turned the key off to go in and check my mail after being away for two weeks then headed out again...this time the car would NOT start...towed it to the local CT...the mechanic took about an hour to find the problem...

The inertia switch was shorting out...intermittently...causing the fuel pump to cut out until I turned it off and back on again (it always started after it died on the highway)...

The inertia switch was a $35 part...cleared up all problems...

But yours sounds like the fuel pump may be cutting out temporarily...maybe check the inertia switch since it won't cost you anything...should be up under the dash just near the center console...if it looks burnt...that could be the problem...otherswise...thanks for reading my sortof rant...

Have you checked you plug wires? And are you sure you don't have a vacume leak?

I just changed the fuel pump with a ford factory replacement. I deffinitely will have a look at that inertia switch tho... hmmm thanks mark. and i just did plugs and wires like 5,000 miles ago but i was kinda thinking a vaccum leak too, though i can't find one..... hmmm thanks guy.

Is that switch the one on the passenger side near the center of the truck under the carpet?

That's the one...you can probably tell just by looking at it if there are scorch marks around it...but it's only on by two screws (I think) and easy enough to remove...

Did you change the MAF recently also? That could also be causing some anomalies, usually wild erratic idle and stalling...but we've seen some other unusual symptoms from that sensor...might be worth a try to check that too...but go to the junk yard to pick one up if possible...they can be expensive if you try to buy a new one...like around $115 or so...expensive trial and error choice...

haha ya but for the $115 dollars i get peice of mind. It seems like It was running tits when i cleaned the MAF and put in a K&N filter about 3000 miles ago. I've heard people say an over-oiled filter will foul an MAF, is it possible it was over-oiled from the factory, or does it have to be extreme to kill the MAF?

just looked at the inertia switch, it passes my visual test (which dosen't mean much) so how do i do any other tests on it?

Its connector has two wires.

DG/Y and PK/BK.

Disconnect it and jumper those two wires together with a straightened paper clip. Tape it so it can't short out on the body anywhere. You just bypassed the inertia switch.

If it still does it, it isn't the inertia switch, put it back together.

i had a huge problem with the truck hessitating horribly on take-off and it turned out to be coil packs. if it helps?

good idea earl. thanks for the input guys.