2.9L starts fine idles fast then dies 5 mins in

[metalmogul46]

I have a 1988 Ford Ranger 4x4 extracab with a 2.9L V6. Starts fine when cold but idles very fast, as it warms up the idle is up and down and then about 5 minutes into idling it dies like I turned off the ignition. When driving it does not shut off but as I slow down to a stop and accelerate it hesitates like it will stall and sometimes does. I have just installed new heads, lifters, water pump, coil, distributur, rotor, plugs and wires. I am thinking of doing the fuel filter next. The dieing problem was there before all the above work so its got nothing to do with the new parts I am sure. If anyone out there has an idea about this one please let me know. I have been driving a diesel ranger for 15 years with nothing wrong but this gas one is giving me trouble.

 

[IMenriched]

Have your TFI (aka ignition module) tested. your symtoms are hint that is the issue.

Most parts store will test these for free. but make sure thay test it several times, because they have heat problems. Some have gone as far as to take a hair dryer with them when testing, to help simulate a warm/hot test.

if bad make sure to use some Dielectric compound on the new one.

it could be the engine temp sensor for the ECM (not the dash sending unit), generaly they don't make the engine die.

 

[PetermanJ]

Also sounds like it could be the idle air bypass valve, also IAC that sits on the side of the intake. My 2.9 did the same thing and that was all it was. They are cheap at about any parts store.

 

[Psychopete]

IACs are not cheap (to me), they're typically around $70 bucks. I guess it's all about how deep your pockets are. A $70 part for a $700 truck with no guarantee as to if it will fix the issue is hard to justify.

With all of the work that was done, the first thing that comes to mind is checking for a really bad vacuum leak, if the engine ran good before hand.

Is there any change when the IAC is disconnected? It's the cylinder shaped sensor on the top passenger side of the upper intake plenum.

Might also pull codes, too.

Pete

 

[metalmogul46]

2.9L that is giving me heartache

Found the problem, had it analized at a tech shop and it showed up as the water tempurature sensor. Starts and runs fine now. Thanks to who ever replied to this problem