1983 Ford Ranger- HELP ME!

[BLOODBANE]

Try changing your "TPS" (throttle position sensor). They are adjustable on those years. Mine went out once and it would run at higher RPMs, but idle like crap. They also use a idle tracking switch that can give you fits.

 

[jsamad41]

Try changing your "TPS" (throttle position sensor). They are adjustable on those years. Mine went out once and it would run at higher RPMs, but idle like crap. They also use a idle tracking switch that can give you fits.

Thats exactly what mine did when it first started. It would rev real real high when it first started, and you could give it just enough gas to get it in drive and go, but as soon as you let off the gas to stop, it stalled. I thought about the TPS but I didn't want to just start replacing things that I didn't know for sure were bad.

I'll have to look into that this weekend. Thanks!

 

[jsamad41]

Ok so I just remembered another thing that is wrong. My diverter valve which ran to the air check valve and the cat converter from the smog pump is burnt up. Since the cat was removed from the truck do I even need the diverter valve anymore?? I hope not cause its an $80 part at Autozone.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

I would just focus on the tune up parts first wires and pcv without that everything else means nothing. Disconnect the battery while doing the tune up and make sure all the wiring is hooked up before you start it. Then see how it does if it still runs bad pull the codes and go from there. Without the cat the diverter wont work just cap off the crossover tube. Dont waste your money trying to get the computer working if you dont need to pass emissions duraspark it and just for your info running any vehicle without a cat in place is illegal just gut the cat and put it there if you get inspected you will get written up. It dont have to work just be there.

 

[jsamad41]

also try puttin gas or carb cleaner in the carb and try starting it if it runs good for a few seconds you might have water in the gas my 87 ranger did this and it took me forever to figure it out

I tried the carb cleaner, and it ran for like 10 seconds.

 

[jsamad41]

Well, I hate to say it but it turns out that this old girl needs a new carburetor. I was reading in my Haynes manual, and it said that if you rebuild the carb and clean the choke and the choke isn't working properly, it needs a whole new carb. There goes Christmas!! Thanks again for evertyones help and opinions!

 

[adsm08]

um, what exactly is a TFI lol.

The ignition module. It's bolted to the back of the distributor.

And i need to grab a plug wire while someone cranks the engine and hope i dont get shocked?

Yeah, I'd just have the engine running. It's easier. And it's not a bad shock, just a little zap. Won't kill you or anything, I've done it lots of times.