Ranger computers

[Ranger Kip]

Would my 84 have one? If it does where is it, and what is it used for?

(2.8L stock v6)

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

its efi or carbed?

the ecu controls mostly the idle, fuel/air ratio, ignition and warm up idle rpms. for naming a few

 

[Ranger Kip]

I believe all 84's were carbed 2.8L

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

then it may not have a ecu.
i think it started in 84 tho. due to emissions and stuff

 

[Ranger Kip]

hmm, it does not surprise me.

 

[TheTopher]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_8L_Performance.html


Looks like all 2.8s were carbed.

 

[heptofite]

it has a computer, but if you go duraspark you don't need it

 

[strvger]

my '83 had a computer. duraspark'd now.

 

[Ranger Kip]

what does the computer do?

 

[heptofite]

controls your ignition system and carburator.

if you swap to a non-electric carb and a duraspark ignition you won't need it.

 

[martin]

The computer on the 84 controls fuel mixture by a mixture control solinoid on the rear of the carburetor by referencing information it receives from the o2 sensor. It controls idle speed by a stepping motor mounted on the front left of the carb. It adjusts the timing relative to rpm and load on the motor. It also controls a fistful of vacuum solenoids that in turn control things like air pump, evap. etc. It's mounted behind the kick panel on the passenger side.

 

[Ranger Kip]

I think I will keep the system thats in it, if it still works after 233k, and no maintaince besides 2 new airfilters (including its original, it was washed out hundreds of times), etc. I think it will continue to do me well =)

 

[kimcrwbr1]

what does the computer do?

It will make your life miserable if everything is not working together. If your distributor has 6 wires it is controlled by the computer and advances/retards the timing and controls the air bleed to the carb. If your having trouble with it and need to pass emissions start with the basics check the wires connectors and grounds. Get all the vacuum lines run correct and look for and fix any vacuum leaks. Then run the codes dont be afraid to ask Qs. If you don`t have to pass emissions duraspark it either way all the info you need is in the tech library.

 

[cody93]

yea, id duraspark it too, what years do they stop requiring emisions testing on?

 

[Ranger Kip]

I believe the mid 70's and older vehicles are exempt. They were not built with Catyletic Converters, and that caused an issue in the 90's because a lot of older vehicles were declared illegal, until they exempt them from the emissions.