87 ranger HELP! dont know what to try..

[ranger_redneck]

i have an 87 ranger stx, 2.9l, 5 speed, 4x4.. it has a few issues:
1. Horrible gas mileage.. been getting between 9-10 mpg, a tank every two days, and i need this vehicle for winter up here..
2. LOW power.. it will barely climb the smallest of hills unless you downshift from OD to 3rd and punch it.
3. weird fuel pressure? when ignition turns on it jumps between 35-40, then after about 3-4 seconds it drops all pressure.
4. REALLY hard starting.
5. i have to ride my clutch for it to get moving, the clutch is brand new, it just seems like once the clutch is slightly let out, it falls on its face..
i bought this vehicle for winter for my 30 mile a day commute, and reallly need it running good and getting good mileage, can anyone help me?

 

[NEVERDONE86]

Kinda sounds like a complete tune up is in need. Also check the timing. Is the cat plugged. Have you had the computer scanned. Could be O2 sensors. It could be a bunch of things.

 

[NEVERDONE86]

Pm me for more

 

[Hagan]

You need to pull codes. We can't guess what's wrong.

 

[ranger_redneck]

i pulled codes awhile ago, only thing that came up, was egr. replaced egr, same thing happening. it has new cap, rotor, wires, (never did the plugs, i checked them lastnight and i will be replacing them tomorrow night), egr, cleaned the IAC, found a shorted out wire over PS pump, had a couple broken vacuum lines, fixed those. after all that, still doing the same thing.

 

[Die.Fledermaus]

...
2. LOW power.. it will barely climb the smallest of hills unless you downshift from OD to 3rd and punch it.
3. weird fuel pressure? when ignition turns on it jumps between 35-40, then after about 3-4 seconds it drops all pressure.
4. REALLY hard starting....

I wouldn't bother with codes yet. What does the fuel pressure read at idle or at speed? Steady? Stable?

Engine off should also hold pressure, bad FPRs sometime leak into the little line that goes to the intake manifold.

Basics before computer query, especially in ODB1 limited feedback EMSs.

 

[ranger_redneck]

The fuel pressure when ignition on is 35-40, then drops to zero after a few seconds, truck running it bounces between 35-42. It just doesn't seem to hold its pressure. There is no obvious leaks, or anything like that.

 

[2trux]

The fuel pressure when ignition on is 35-40, then drops to zero after a few seconds, truck running it bounces between 35-42. It just doesn't seem to hold its pressure. There is no obvious leaks, or anything like that.

Pull the vacuum line off the FPR, turn on the key and see if any fuel comes out of the vacuum port. Check the vacuum line to see if it is wet with fuel or smells like fuel. This is one place where fuel can leak and you never see it as the fuel is sucked into the intake.

 

[ranger_redneck]

i will try that tonight, if it does, i will replace the FPR and see if that fixes anything

 

[WildSide]

Apart from the FPR you should look at the fuel injectors you may have a bad one or more. There is also a check valve in the fuel canister just before the high pressure pump you may want to investigate that but make sure you have a spare o ring gasket before opening it.

 

[ranger_redneck]

I checked the FPR and no fuel comes out when the key is turned on, except the vacuum line smells like fuel. How would I go about checking the injectors?

 

[ranger_redneck]

I checked the FPR, and fuel didn't come out when the key was turned on, but it did make a weird noise when I pulled it off and did that, and the line did smell like fuel, how would I go about checking the injectors?

 

[WildSide]

I checked the FPR, and fuel didn't come out when the key was turned on, but it did make a weird noise when I pulled it off and did that, and the line did smell like fuel, how would I go about checking the injectors?

You are looking for liquid in the line, a gas smell is normal. How could there be a weird noise if the engine was not running?

Here is a great book in the tech article section it will cover everything. I recommend saving a copy http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/pdf_documents/Ford_Fuel_Injection_Book.pdf

 

[ranger_redneck]

When the key is turned on, there is a weird noise, never heard it before until today when I pulled the line off. It sounds like it is coming right from the FPR.

 

[WildSide]

The noise may be fuel moving past the diaphragm but there should be no strange noise when removing the vacuum line with the engine not running. Unless you have a clogged line. It may be worthwhile to purchase a new FPR even if the present one is good and keep one as a spare.