1984 Ranger 2.3 (Carb) Stalls under heavy acceleration

[cameraMANsuperHERO]

I recently purchased a 1984 Ford Ranger (The truck has been sitting up for years) -- I finally got it back to my house.

- I first replace the Carburetor (Brand New from Summit)

- Next I replaced the Ignition Coil (Auto Zone wanted $40 for the 84 year model but I learned from an inside tip that a 76 F-100 uses the same/similar ignition coil and it was cheaper) So I purchased the ignition coil under the 76 F100 specs

- Next I replaced Spark Plugs and New Wires

- I didnt see a Cat Converter (So i ruled out that being clogged)

After doing all this the truck still STALLS UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION --- if I baby the throttle i can go all day - but as soon as i press the pedal more than half the way - the truck boggs down - and soon after STALLS OUT. The unique thing is that the truck cranks up right back up and the same process repeats.

Its something not letting the truck properly accelerate - I NEED HELP - Im pretty much a ROOKIE MECHANIC but I follow instructions very well and I pay attention - but this issue has me beat.

 

[Mark_88]

Howdy and welcome to TRS.

My first thought is "float" not set properly. Second is how much gas in your tank...third is what fuel pump are you using?

It sounds like your not getting enough gas so if the float is set too low the bowl will run out quickly...if you don't have enough gas in your tank the acceleration can cause the fuel to move away from the pickup...and if your fuel pump is manual...old...or otherwise restricting fuel flow it will do as you describe...

Could be other things like your power valve is not working properly...air of fuel filter needs to be changed...maybe even settings on the carb for air/fuel mixture...

These are unknowns...so what type of carb is it and is it adjustable?

 

[tomw]

No matter what it is, the engine is running out of gas. If you can 'baby' it to go faster, but if you demand more fuel instantaneously, such as by stepping on the gas pedal, and it dies, then it is lacking fuel enough to meet demand.
I would check fuel level in the float bowl. You'd remove the top of the carb after to check. There should be fuel in the bowl or chamber where the float resides.
If the float is set too low, the fuel level in the bowl will be low. The float works just like the float and lever in a toilet tank.
The other alternative, is low fuel delivery. What pump are you using? The factory pump should provide adequate flow if it is functional, and the filter not restricted. If you have added a pump, check the flow volume over time to see if you are getting enough to run the engine. Catch the fuel in a container with measure markings, and note the time it takes to get to a usable volume. Do some math, and figure you need the capability of double the normal mpg flow. If you get 20 mpg, at 60, you'd need 1/20 of a gallon each minute and so on. Minimum.
tom

 

[colefouche13]

I would check your air fuel mixture, if it is a brand new carb it could be running really lean, on my ranger it runs perfect at 2 1/4 turns but that will vary on many factors, next check fuel and air filters, also check fuel pressure, you should be reading about 5 psi on mechanical pumps, timing could be off but very unlikely. just check those things.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Three things come to my mind;
1] as tomw mentioned, a fuel volume flow test first to rule out the fuel pump. There are specs which I don't know off the top of my head. EG; something like 3 pints in 10 seconds. There will be proper specs in the manual.
2] in carb fuel filter. I don't know this motor and carb so don't know if it has the sintered metal fuel filter. It would be located where the fuel line connects to the carb. I've had faulty filters before, usually a paper replacement of the sintered metal one.
3] accelerator pump. It could be the linkage is in the wrong spot or it's malfunctioning. If the carb is old enough it will have a leather cup as part of the accelerator pump assembly. This cup will dry out and will not force the fuel to flow when hitting the gas.