2.3L ('83-'97) Checking Fuel Pressure

[Countrykev26]

I have an 85 2.3l turbo in ford ranger. I just replaced fuel pump cause it smells bad of gas out exhaust. I bought a pressure tool but doesn’t have the fitting for checking pressure. The one with kit leaks bad. What fitting do I need to hook it up. Still have bad smell.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The correct fitting should look like a tire valve but the valve is more recessed

Fuel pressure isn't likely your issue, there's a vacuum line coming off the top of the fuel pressure regulator, pull that off and cycle the key, if there's fuel there then it's a bad regulator. Unless the fuel return is plugged or something it should be like 30psi but I've never checked...

At one time I had a bad VAM (vane air flow meter) and there was literally flames coming out the tailpipe over the tailgate, was quite the site out the rear view...

Did you do the swap? What computer are you running and if the '85 did you get the VAM wired right? There's like 10 wires that need to move to do it right...

 

[Countrykev26]

The regulator is new. No gas smell or leakage. VAM is wired nd reads correct voltage. Has an 86 mercury xr4ti ecm. Right now just exhaust runs to bottom of cab just a short pipe from manifold to frame. Timing at 12-13 cause it takes fuel better there. Fuel return flows good. I have chased and replaced tons of parts. I have been looking online for fuel pressure end piece but seen tons but dont know correct one.

 

[Countrykev26]

I am trying to figure out if it could be a leaky injector. With the leaky fuel tester it goes to 32 then falls back to zero in a couple secs with key on engine off. Idles about 32 and jumps to close to 40 when engine revs and stays steady. Gas from exhaust clears up when reving but idle will run you out of garage

 

[SenorNoob]

Sounds like the regulator is working to me. I wouldn't think you'd see exactly the right change in pressure with vacuum change if not.

Does your setup use an O2 sensor? Is it installed with at least a foot of pipe past it?

I know that can cause serious over-fueling. I had my O2 wired backwards at one point during my 4.0 swap and could blow raw fuel out the exhaust right as it stalled. Also had codes for excessively lean and rich at the same time.

 

[Countrykev26]

I have an O2 upstream less than a ft from exhaust. About 6 inches lower than the original position. I have A/C so had to move it. The truck throws no codes other than battery because its bad and I have to jump it. I can try switching wires on O2 sensor to see if that helps

 

[SenorNoob]

Unlikely to help in that case. It is possible though that you have outside air getting back to the O2 sensor causing wacky readings. Can you extend the exhaust even temporarily just to try it?

 

[Countrykev26]

I’ll grab a 18” flex pipe to get it to be longer and tomorrow. When I first got the truck I noticed gas smell in oil. I changed it but I think it has done it again. So Im changing oil again.

 

[Countrykev26]

Everything still same. I have a 1993 ranger harness so I need the other O2 sensor not one wire. So which O2 sensor should I use. I found a 86 mustang svo O2 upstream so should I use that. Also, I have 86 merkur ecm should I get the 86 svo ecm

 

[Countrykev26]

Or 88 T-bird ecm

 

[Countrykev26]

The motor and turbo out of 85 T-bird