1996 Ranger 2.3l no power

[artfull dodger]

My wife and I both have Rangers, both 2wd, 5spd manuals. Hers is a 2.5L and mine the 2.3L. Its like night and day differance in power. Hers feels like a V6 compared to mine. I have to really stick my foot in it and rap out the rpm's in each gear to get anything power wise. Not so with hers. Is the 2.3 vs 2.5 that much of a differance, or do I have an issue with mine? I have changed out plugs, wires, one coil pack that wasnt firing #1 plug and while that did smooth out the idle some, it did not help the power levels. She lacks a cat, (was removed by PO) so it cant be plugged up. When cold she will cackle a few light backfires in the exhaust, but feels like its running lean when I try to pass or need power to accelerate on the highway. Thanks Mike and Michele T

 

[Mark_88]

Howdy and welcome to TRS...I know this isn't your first post but always nice to welcome new people.

The 2.3 and 2.5 are pretty much the same engine and there is only a few HP difference between them from factory...so it shouldn't be that much difference and what you describe indicates a problem.

First thing I would suggest is to check for codes...as some people will remove the bulb that lights up the CEL (Check Engine Light)...unless you've owned it from new that could be a possible issue if you do not see that light lighting up on startup and then going out.

That could give you a lead as to what is going on...but other factors can be present...like the age of the engines...high miles could mean you have decreased power just due to wear and tear...

You can also do or have a compression check done on the engine to compare it with what it should be...don't know specifically but it will also give you an idea usually.

Short of that it is a matter of speculation and can involve expensive part swapping that is generally avoidable with a bit of insight...but let us know what those tests indicate and we can elaborate if needed...

 

[artfull dodger]

Truck has 110,000 miles on it, hers has 126K. Both just had timing belts done, but mine was down on power before that, just got it done before it did break. When we get back from Pennsylvania, I will get the codes pulled on mine at the local Autozone. Mike

 

[LostTraction]

Another thing to check is your axle code. Some of the older 2.3L had a 3.53 rear diff and some with a 3.73. Doesn't sound like much but it can make a difference. Same power but different acceleration. Not sure what the 2.5 came with.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Im going to bet they are geared different. Check the door sticker (or axle tag) for gear ratios.

 

[BlackBII]

Make sure your throttle cable isn't stretched out. It can prevent you from opening the throttle plate all the way with the pedal.

http://www.therangerstation.com/how-to/engines-fuel-systems/throttle-cable-mod/