87 2.3 no power!!!

[Mr.Hotrod]

I have an 87 Ranger i got for $150 and it just has absolutely no power at all. I gave it a full tune up and we set the ignition timing on it and i changed the fuel filter, it has like no throttle response either. Sometimes i can hear popping from intake too if i run if i try to take off below 1500 rpms. Somedays it has decent power other days it takes like 2 minutes to get to 60 and it doesnt have the power to cruise in 4th gear with my foot to the floor. Any ideas?

First thing im going to do is unclog my cat because it still has the factory exhaust system on it thats all rusty.

And in the mornings when its cold it doesnt want to stay running but after it warms up it hardly ever dies, and yes its fuel injected.

 

[Mark_88]

Sounds inconsistent...so it's probably not just the accelerator cable stretched...but you could try the zip tie trick...doesn't cost much and it usually gives some improvement...

Have you checked the compression?

Tried pulling codes?

Fuel pressure checked?

Could be a wonky pump or any number of things with sensors...the cat would hinder performance as well...but it sounds like a bit more testing could give you a better answer than guesswork...

 

[Mr.Hotrod]

Sounds inconsistent...so it's probably not just the accelerator cable stretched...but you could try the zip tie trick...doesn't cost much and it usually gives some improvement...

Have you checked the compression?

Tried pulling codes?

Fuel pressure checked?

Could be a wonky pump or any number of things with sensors...the cat would hinder performance as well...but it sounds like a bit more testing could give you a better answer than guesswork...

How do i check fuel pressure and codes?

 

[ancient]

My 1st reaction (as Mark suggested) is a plugged cat. Your rig probably needs a replacement anyway based on your comments. I'd cut the down pipe at the front of the cat and go from there. But then its not my truck.

 

[Earl43P]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OBD_I.html <how to read the codes

I would go a bit further than simply checking the fuel pressure, although that is half the battle. I believe yours has two pumps, one in the tank, one on the DS frame rail.

Disconnect the one on the frame rail and listen for the one in the tank to run for two seconds each time the key is cycled from Off to Run. It should run continuously when you are cranking the starter. There is also a pin in a connector you can use (ground it) to make them run (in that link up above). You might even (disconnect input to fuel filter) turn the key to Run while the line is removed from the filter and verify strong flow (low pressure lift pump).

There is a schraeder valve on the fuel rail (looks like a tire stem, cap and all) that you can depress and see how strong it sprays. Some AP stores will rent you a gage to measure the actual pressure, or buy one for about $20.

Simply checking pressure at the rail will not tell you that the transfer pump inside the tank is bad. From your symptoms, that is what I suspect. I'd do all this before I'd hack off any exhaust pipes.

 

[Mr.Hotrod]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OBD_I.html <how to read the codes

I would go a bit further than simply checking the fuel pressure, although that is half the battle. I believe yours has two pumps, one in the tank, one on the DS frame rail.

Disconnect the one on the frame rail and listen for the one in the tank to run for two seconds each time the key is cycled from Off to Run. It should run continuously when you are cranking the starter. There is also a pin in a connector you can use (ground it) to make them run (in that link up above). You might even (disconnect input to fuel filter) turn the key to Run while the line is removed from the filter and verify strong flow (low pressure lift pump).

There is a schraeder valve on the fuel rail (looks like a tire stem, cap and all) that you can depress and see how strong it sprays. Some AP stores will rent you a gage to measure the actual pressure, or buy one for about $20.

Simply checking pressure at the rail will not tell you that the transfer pump inside the tank is bad. From your symptoms, that is what I suspect. I'd do all this before I'd hack off any exhaust pipes.

I pulled both lines from the fuel pumps and they both spray fuel. I'm going to cut my exhaust pipe anyway because i think one of the baffles in the stock muffler broke loose so im putting my glasspack on it. I'll probably inspect the cat from there

 

[Mr.Hotrod]

made a video today of how little power this has, maybe we can figure things out a little better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH-e3Z2Dl1w

Its a little faster in the morning when its still cold, maybe one of the pumps get weak after driving awhile