1984 2.8 v6 won’t idle

[Tyler uppy]

I resolved a prior no spark issue on my ranger, and now it cranks and turns over just fine. However the engine will not idle and only runs for a couple seconds and high rpm before stalling. The truck will run if I get on the gas and I’m confused because this is the problem I was having before I rebuilt my carburetor. I’d like to know if anyone has knowledge of the vaccume system controlling this issue. I do have a couple vaccume lines that I don’t know where the go to. I will provide pictures and hopefully someone could tell me if any of them would prevent my truck from idling.

 

[franklin2]

If your engine wiring is original(thinking it is since you still have the module on the distributor), the idle is controlled by the computer.

Your engine has a full blown EECIV computer system just a like a fuel injected mustang or other Ford vehicle. Your idle is controlled by a DC motor controlled by the computer.

 

[Tyler uppy]

If your engine wiring is original(thinking it is since you still have the module on the distributor), the idle is controlled by the computer.

Your engine has a full blown EECIV computer system just a like a fuel injected mustang or other Ford vehicle. Your idle is controlled by a DC motor controlled by the computer.

How should I go about checking the see what I need to replace, any tests or telltale signs?

 

[Dijit]

That open nipple on your 2nd picture your pointing at is a definite vacuum leak. Plug it off and see how it does.

 

[franklin2]

Here is the procedure for adjusting the 300 six carb which has the same computer controlled setup and is very similar to your controls on the 2.8. Most people get tired of messing with this computer stuff and swap the distributor and the carb out to get rid of the computer system on the 2.8.

300 six carb adjust 1 by D Franklin, on Flickr

 

[Tyler uppy]

What the hell , I mean I can probably figure it out but damn

 

[franklin2]

What the hell , I mean I can probably figure it out but damn

Your getting there. When the frustration level reaches the top (different for everyone I guess) you will be wanted to know more about the conversion. A hang-up on the conversion has been the supply of distributors, but I think a couple of people have found a different one made in Europe and had success with it. A china knock-off carb and you are well on your way putting some sanity back into your engine control system.

I believe this is the distributor they are using now. https://www.ebay.com/itm/172498145556

 

[Tyler uppy]

Well here’s the cool part, I have a duraspark 1 system from various cars. I have a distributor from a pinto and a mustang v8 jetted carb as well as the ignition box and crap. If someone says the swap is the best thing at this point then I’ll just do it.

 

[Tyler uppy]

Well here’s the cool part, I have a duraspark 1 system from various cars. I have a distributor from a pinto and a mustang v8 jetted carb as well as the ignition box and crap. If someone says the swap is the best thing at this point then I’ll just do it.

I guess I just wanted to drive it before I tore into what seemed like a performance upgrade if the makes sense

 

[RobbieD]

If someone says the swap is the best thing at this point then I’ll just do it.

I like my trucks as "stock" as possible, considering my preference in driving these old trucks, versus the ugly overpriced junk that is forced us upon these days.

On my '84 Ranger 2.8, I beat my brains out trying to get the stock abomination to run well, and run reliably. It was no way, Jose. The original setup, a so-called "computer controlled carburetor", was a operational nightmare even sitting new on the dealer lot. Put some years on the truck, and it's damn near impossible to get it run right.


I did the Duraspark conversion, and never looked back. That was 17 years ago.

It was absolutely the best thing to do, no doubt about it whatsoever.

I guess I just wanted to drive it before I tore into what seemed like a performance upgrade if the makes senseI.

Yeah, That makes sense. Seriously, while it may be a "performance" upgrade, but honestly, it's more of a reliability upgrade (and it was mainly a sanity upgrade to my own benefit).



Tons of posts on here covering the conversion. Get your parts together, get your plan together, and just do it.

 

[Tyler uppy]

I like my trucks as "stock" as possible, considering my preference in driving these old trucks, versus the ugly overpriced junk that is forced us upon these days.

On my '84 Ranger 2.8, I beat my brains out trying to get the stock abomination to run well, and run reliably. It was no way, Jose. The original setup, a so-called "computer controlled carburetor", was a operational nightmare even sitting new on the dealer lot. Put some years on the truck, and it's damn near impossible to get it run right.


I did the Duraspark conversion, and never looked back. That was 17 years ago.

It was absolutely the best thing to do, no doubt about it whatsoever.




Yeah, That makes sense. Seriously, while it may be a "performance" upgrade, but honestly, it's more of a reliability upgrade (and it was mainly a sanity upgrade to my own benefit).



Tons of posts on here covering the conversion. Get your parts together, get your plan together, and just do it.

Roger that, thanks for the help!