1985 Ranger 2.0 Idle Speed Control Module

[CodyP23]

I bought a 1985 2.0 carbureted Ranger about a week ago. It had been sitting for a few years. I noticed this today and I'm hoping someone can give me a little more info about it. It is marked as "Idle Speed Control", and it apprears to be melted? The plug and wires are still intact, so I guess I'm just asking if the black stuff melting out damages the part or if that is just some sort of protection/insulation?

Also, assuming the part is bad, I've not been able to find a replacement for that part number anywhere. I did however find one from a 1988 2.0 on eBay, but the part number is different. Does anyone know if this one would work on my truck? Any help is appreciated.

 

[RobbieD]

I bought a 1985 2.0 carbureted Ranger about a week ago. It had been sitting for a few years. I noticed this today and I'm hoping someone can give me a little more info about it. It is marked as "Idle Speed Control", and it apprears to be melted? The plug and wires are still intact, so I guess I'm just asking if the black stuff melting out damages the part or if that is just some sort of protection/insulation?View attachment 113522View attachment 113523

Also, assuming the part is bad, I've not been able to find a replacement for that part number anywhere. I did however find one from a 1988 2.0 on eBay, but the part number is different. Does anyone know if this one would work on my truck? Any help is appreciated.View attachment 113524

The black stuff is "potting material". Older electronics, especially, would have this poured into the enclosure around the circuit board, to harden and encapsulate the electronic components. So it's more of a "protectorate", but I've seen well-smoked devices burning through the potting.

I don't know if I've ever seen one melted like that; it does look like hell.

Does the truck have problems with its idle?

I can't tell you for sure if the '87 part will be the same. But, if I had truck, and was trying to fix an idle issue, I'd be sorely tempted to try the '87 module, unless it's priced like it's made out of gold.

And as a disclaimer, I don't have a lot of experience with the early 4 bangers. Maybe somebody else will chime in that knows more about how it actually works on the motor.

 

[CodyP23]

The black stuff is "potting material". Older electronics, especially, would have this poured into the enclosure around the circuit board, to harden and encapsulate the electronic components. So it's more of a "protectorate", but I've seen well-smoked devices burning through the potting.

I don't know if I've ever seen one melted like that; it does look like hell.

Does the truck have problems with its idle?

I can't tell you for sure if the '87 part will be the same. But, if I had truck, and was trying to fix an idle issue, I'd be sorely tempted to try the '87 module, unless it's priced like it's made out of gold.

And as a disclaimer, I don't have a lot of experience with the early 4 bangers. Maybe somebody else will chime in that knows more about how it actually works on the motor.

To be honest I haven't even started the truck yet, the gas tank was rusted out and the new one is on the way. The lady I bought it from is a family friend and she said the truck ran amazing, no issues whatsoever, then she had multiple injuries/surgeries and could no longer drive a manual. So she bought another vehicle and this sat behind her house for around 4 years. While I wait for the tank to come in, I'm replacing the things that it 100% needs, and I noticed this melted part. It may work just fine, I was just curious. Thank you for responding.