86' Bronco 2 2.9l Sputtering Issue

[Tommybomb2021]

Hello all, I bought this bronco this past summer for a steal of 500$ because it needed a clutch. Just got around to putting the new clutch/flywheel in, and have it running but now I have ran into an issue with the engine sputtering. This issue occurs when the engine is below roughly half throttle, but fades as the engine approaches anything above 1/2-3/4 throttle. I just did the spark plugs and am planning on doing the distributor cap and plug wires. I also plan on checking fuel pressure and putting in a new fuel filter. My worry is that this will end up being sensor related which I am clueless about on these 2.9l engines. Where else should I be looking aside from fuel, spark and air as far as sensors? Anything common that would cause this issue? I will also note that I am a bit of a noob/youtube mechanic but I am enjoying learning along the way. Thanks

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Hello all, I bought this bronco this past summer for a steal of 500$ because it needed a clutch. Just got around to putting the new clutch/flywheel in, and have it running but now I have ran into an issue with the engine sputtering. This issue occurs when the engine is below roughly half throttle, but fades as the engine approaches anything above 1/2-3/4 throttle. I just did the spark plugs and am planning on doing the distributor cap and plug wires. I also plan on checking fuel pressure and putting in a new fuel filter. My worry is that this will end up being sensor related which I am clueless about on these 2.9l engines. Where else should I be looking aside from fuel, spark and air as far as sensors? Anything common that would cause this issue? I will also note that I am a bit of a noob/youtube mechanic but I am enjoying learning along the way. Thanks

Mine does something similar. Never have been able to totally figure it out.

Pull the codes on it and see what you come up with there. Testing the fuel pressure is also a good place to start.

86 is also EGR equipped....those can cause some goofy issues if they arnt functioning correctly as well

 

[tw205]

How long sitting before you got it running. Fuel does not have a long shelf life. Especially the crap fuel they provide now days. Even clean fuel on top of junk fuel will need run out before you can judge it acceptable.

 

[Tommybomb2021]

Not sure how long it sat, previous owner did not specify. But I have ran all the old gas out of it already and filled up with new stuff.

 

[Paulos]

These older Rangers don't react well to sitting for extended periods of time with ethanol gasoline in the fuel system. It can clog up your injectors.

 

[gaz]

Tommy,

What your describing is not normal or characteristic of a sound running 2.9L.

1-It's free to take a look at your coolant level, determine whether you are losing any.
2-Check all the vacuum lines, fittings and connections.
3-look for any fuel or coolant puddling around the injectors and in the lower intake manifold valleys or from the top of the engine.
4-after a warm up or drive are any fluids accumulating under the engine bay?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

After rereading your post...pull the SPOUT connecter and verify that the timing is set between 10 and 12 BTDC

 

[Tommybomb2021]

For all who were curious what the problem was, after changing both fuel pumps, spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and replacing every sensor it was the TFI Module. Hopefully this saves someone the same headache I went through ha