'89 2.3l ranger rough idle

[watermellon]

Hello, I have an '89 ranger with 2.3L engine. It was running fine the last time I drove it which was two weeks ago. When I started it today it was idling rough as though it was running on 3 cylinders. I took it for a drive and it was hesitant when I accelerated. When I was at a stop, it felt like it was going to stall but didn't. No matter whether I'm idling the truck or driving it, it runs rough.

I was wondering if the problem could be bad sparkplug wires, sparkplugs, or something simple like that; but I'm not sure how to test for any of those things. If anyone can help me out I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks

 

[Mark_88]

Could be a number of things...wet weather would affect wonky spark plug wires...if you don't park it under a shelter of some sorts...

Could also be bad gas, air filter needs to be changed, timing belt slipped a tooth, or a vac line came off...

Hard to say, but I wouldn't start throwing parts at it...if you can get a code reader try that first...visually inspect the vac lines...check for cracks also in the hoses...make sure the wires are dry...spray them with either a silicone spray or WD-40 and dry them with a rag...

Visually inspect the air filter...hold it up to a strong light and if you can't see much light coming through it might need changing...

It's fairly easy to diagnose, but takes time and a bit of effort...and since we don't know your service record on the vehicle it makes it a hit and miss thing...but throwing new parts (like plugs and wires) for something that just pops up is usually a waste of money and time...and frustrating when you find it was your PCV came out of the hose...or something else simple...