2.3 runs great when radiator cap is loose.

[Robert97Ranger]

when i tighten it it starts missing, and running rough. any ideas?

 

[modelageek]

when i tighten it it starts missing, and running rough. any ideas?

a bad ect sensor is my only thought

 

[cmikee]

Could it be that you have a slightly blown head gasket or cracked head in the right spot where it puts pressure in the cooling system? So when the cap is on it builds up enough pressure to blow water into the cylinders causing skipping and when the cap is off it allows the pressure to escape and not put water into the cylinders.

 

[modelageek]

Could it be that you have a slightly blown head gasket or cracked head in the right spot where it puts pressure in the cooling system? So when the cap is on it builds up enough pressure to blow water into the cylinders causing skipping and when the cap is off it allows the pressure to escape and not put water into the cylinders.

very interesting thought!!!

 

[5.0]

My '97 2.3 ran rough... turned out to be a blown head gasket. Do a compression test.

 

[super91(2.3)]

i agree with 5.0. my 91 was acting like you are describing, and the head gaskets in the 2.3 are notorious for burning thru between 1st and 2nd cylinders

 

[JC 97]

I also have to agree with bad head gasket.

 

[dorman68]

x2 on the bad head gasket or cracked head.

 

[Duane867]

Vote head gasket here to.
Your in for a little work