85 Ranger Spitting & Sputtering

[Southernfarmer]

The TFI ignition module that screws to to the side of distributor is probably bad (that's a pretty common problem).

I didn't see one on it but I know that its got one this right?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Valucraft-TruGrade-Ignition-Control-Module/1985-Ford-Ranger-2WD/_/N-ijpt6Z9n80t?itemIdentifier=966571_300747_0_

 

[Kenneth S]

I didn't see one on it but I know that its got one this right?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Valucraft-TruGrade-Ignition-Control-Module/1985-Ford-Ranger-2WD/_/N-ijpt6Z9n80t?itemIdentifier=966571_300747_0_

That is it!

You don't need to pull (or take apart) the distributor to replace it. Just remove the two screws, and pull downwards.

 

[98singlecab]

how is the truck now?? were you able to fix the issue?? my 85 4x4 5spd is having the same issue. spitting and sputtering when I try to accelerate nicely but if I hot rod it she's fine. btw I'm getting 9 mpg.

 

[98singlecab]

tfi ignition module

is it possible to relocate the ignition module away from the distributor??

 

[RonD]

Yes it is

Read here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/remote_tfi.shtml

 

[tomw]

98single... check your MAP sensor. If they go, you'll get a crappy idle and the mpg can fall through the floor. Other than that, check fuel pressure as the regulator may be stuck on high pressure, beyond the limits of the computer to cut back.
The pickup in the distribulator can go gooey where the TFI plugs in from the bottom. If you replace a TFI make sure the contacts in the bottom of the distributor do not 'move out of the way'.
tom

 

[98singlecab]

where is the map sensor?? i have a cold air idle solenoid attached to the air filter housing. tps .... where it should be LOL.

 

[tomw]

Map sensor would be on the firewall, with a vacuum line to the intake manifold connected so it can sense engine vacuum, and thus imput 'load'. Low vacuum == high load, high vacuum == at idle or loafing, thus needing less fuel. A rectangle a little larger than a pack of cigarettes. It varies a Hz signal depending on vacuum.
I would check your fuel pressure regulator as when they go bad, and peak the fuel pressure, you'll get about 1/2 normal mpg. The pressure should rise when the vacuum line is pulled, and fuel should not come out the vacuum port.
The other thing that makes them weaker than normal until you get the rpms up is ignition timing being re - tarded. {some web sites bar the word whole.} Check with the plug removed that timing is at 10BTDC at hot idle.
tom

 

[98singlecab]

do you have pictures of the sensor and pressure regulator?? the sensor is close to the intake i take it. where do I find the regulator??

 

[98singlecab]

nevermind. I looked them up on napa's website. My map sensor wasn't mounted to the fender (behind air filter) like it's supposed to be. Isn't it nice that ford put the screws for the pressure regulator under the sensor?? thank you so much.
I replaced cap rotor and ignition module, ran good for a couple days then started bucking again.

 

[98singlecab]

ok. Here is what I've replaced so far. Spark plugs, cap, rotor, ignition module, map sensor, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter.
my truck has been spitting and sputtering since I got it. it runs fine and good and then all of the sudden it'll start to buck, but only at the lower rpm's. If I floor it it'll power through. the fuel pumps were changed out by the previous owner.
it's a 2.3l efi. today I will clean my egr valve. (dam they are expensive)

 

[98singlecab]

ok i cleaned the egr valve. it was very caked with carbon and stuck closed.
Just on the off chance I unplugged the cold air idle valve thing ( I think that's what it is.) It's mounted to my air filter box with a small tube going to my throttle body. My truck has almost quit sputtering,
Question.... I have 2 sensors on my intake which one is for air temp?? my cold air valve works I just think it's getting the wrong signals.
1 of the sensors is one the upper part front side the other is on the back side of the lower part.
The truck sputters a lot less now, but still does.

 

[Mark_88]

When is it actually sputtering now? Does the idle fluctuate at all at any time (tach bounce or engine revs up and dies down sporadically)?

 

[98singlecab]

since i unplugged the cold air idle valve the idle doesn't fluctuate. it sputters after it's warmed up.

 

[tomw]

One test that is pretty easy is to connect a fuel pressure gauge to the injector rail. Turn on the engine and collect a jar of fuel using the gauge bleed. Set the fuel to rest for a few minutes, and then inspect for water droplets.
There is a fuel filter on the frame rail behind a metal protector that looks like a small oil filter. I think it can trap water, and let some come through irregularly, causing the engine to misfire. I tried to change mine, but my strap wrench would not grab tight enough to loosen the filter. Inside is a pleated filter that is replaceable. From what I read. I don't see how it can avoid trapping water if there is any being pumped from the gas tank. As the water level rises, it will allow the water at the bottom to get sent to the injectors. I too have an intermittent miss, and it started after getting gas at one particular station. Seems to come and go.
tom