09 Ranger sputtering

[nelsguy]

My 2009 4 cyl 2.3 manual idles great and the truck has been wonderful over the years. It now has 119,000 miles on it and i have noticed that when giving it the gas it sputters sometimes worse than others. Idropped a can of Sea Foam down it and seen no improvement. The truck still has original plugs, wires and PCV valve and i was thinking of swapping them out next. Do you guy's have any suggestions or have you heard of this before in these trucks? I dont really know what to do to fix it and cant really afford a Mechanic. I appreciate any suggestions...Thanks

 

[RangerFabWorks]

My 2009 4 cyl 2.3 manual idles great and the truck has been wonderful over the years. It now has 119,000 miles on it and i have noticed that when giving it the gas it sputters sometimes worse than others. Idropped a can of Sea Foam down it and seen no improvement. The truck still has original plugs, wires and PCV valve and i was thinking of swapping them out next. Do you guy's have any suggestions or have you heard of this before in these trucks? I dont really know what to do to fix it and cant really afford a Mechanic. I appreciate any suggestions...Thanks

Considering the age and mileage. It really is time for a quality tune up.

Plugs
Wires
Air filter
Fuel filter
Pcv valve
Clean mass air flow sensor
Clean throttle body

Do you have a check engine light?

 

[Craig0320]

Yeah really needs a good tune up. That poor truck.

 

[Dirtman]

Good lord 120k on the original pcv valve?!? It's suppose to be replaced every 15,000 miles.... I can only imagine the sludge in your intake.

 

[nelsguy]

Thanks for the advice guys. Couple questions, 1. Do u all think i will have a plug break off issue when i try to replace the plugs and 2. where is the fuel filter located on this 4 cyl truck? Thanks in advance guys again and i appreciate all the help you are giving me...

 

[Dirtman]

Remove the plugs on a cold engine only. Squirt some penetrating fluid into the spark plug holes and let it sit for a couple hours before you try and you should be fine. Only replace with double platinum or iridium plugs. 2.3 duratec is a waste spark ignition system and will burn up other plugs very quickly.

The fuel filter is on the drivers side inner frame rail just about under the drivers seat. No tools required to remove. Press down on the "buttons", while pushing in then pull out. Sometimes takes some wiggling but overall very simple. Best to releive the fuel pressure (which is 65 psi on this engine) by running the engine and pulling the fuel pump fuse until the engine dies, or releasing pressure on the Schrader valve on the fuel rail.

Pvc valve is a major choir. I recommend watching some videos before you attempt that job. It requires pulling the drivers side wheel and inner fender.

 

[nelsguy]

Thanks Dirtman, You have been a great help to me . I am going to do the tune up next week after i get my disability check and will let you know how it all goes for me. Thanks again Dude!!!!

 

[pjtoledo]

the blue thing is PCV valve. the retaining ring just snaps on but is difficult to get to. the big black thing is an "oil separator", when removed there's a big hole open to the crankcase behind it.

there is a hidden bolt behind the hose, top right.

I'm trying to remember, that ring may be a twist lock. I'll see if I can find the old parts to verify.