2.3L ('83-'97) Jerking throttle

[TheSurge]

I have an standard 85 ranger. It starts and drives pretty normal. Sometimes it feels like it has low power though. If I kill by letting the clutch out too fast it has a really hard time restarting. If I do get it running and shift it into first it jerks really bad. I have to slowly push in the gas and even then it can be buck. If I gun it, it will just backfire and die.

It has a fairly new fuel pump. The tank is clean and all the spark plugs are good. It doesn't miss fire.

Any idea?

 

[franklin2]

What engine?

 

[TheSurge]

What engine?

2.3L 4 cylinder

 

[franklin2]

Is this truck new to you or have you had it awhile and this suddenly happened?

Does it only do it when it is warmed up on a hot day? If so, I suspect the TFI ignition module that is mounted on the distributor. Very common problem.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Is this carbureted?

 

[franklin2]

Is this carbureted?

I asked the same question to google AI and it said all 4 cyl engines were fuel injected that year. Take that for what it's worth.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I have an standard 85 ranger. It starts and drives pretty normal. Sometimes it feels like it has low power though. If I kill by letting the clutch out too fast it has a really hard time restarting. If I do get it running and shift it into first it jerks really bad. I have to slowly push in the gas and even then it can be buck. If I gun it, it will just backfire and die.

It has a fairly new fuel pump. The tank is clean and all the spark plugs are good. It doesn't miss fire.

Any idea?

First I would change the O2 sensor, they have a finite life. And if you've been having fueling problems then that will make the sensor even worse. I'm not familiar with the 2.3, but next I would clean the MAF or MAS, whichever you have. Also clean the IAC.
Low power might be a stretch throttle cable, search for "zip tie mod".

 

[scotts90ranger]

I asked the same question to google AI and it said all 4 cyl engines were fuel injected that year. Take that for what it's worth.

In '85 that was the first year of fuel injection on the 2.3L in Rangers and the only engine with it that year, carb was an option and the 2.0L stayed carb until '88 in the US and '89 in Canada... so yeah, all valid questions...

Myself I would check the timing first of all, will need a timing light and to find the SPOUT plug and unhook it (it's a grey plug thing in a 2 wire connector, probably google it and see what it looks like, should be close to the distributor), there "should" be a sticker on the hood or radiator support showing the timing specs but they should be out there too... Other than that there should be a hose leading to a 3 wire sensor mounted somewhere for the MAP sensor from the intake, make sure that hose is in good shape.