Engine dying on idle

[h_f_davidson]

Hi all! I have a 1984 Ranger, 2.8L V6, about 160k miles on it, previously owned. Had it about a year now and for a while it was running steady, but this problem is new—now the engine really struggles to start (cranks fine but doesn’t start?, and when I can get it started it can only hold an idle for about 20 seconds and then just tapers off and dies. I’ve replaced several parts to do with charging/ignition (alternator, starter motor, starter coil, voltage regulator) to fix other issues, and the previous owner says he rebuilt the carburetor. Is this a fuel pressure issue? If so, any advice on how to fix? I’m pretty new to this so still learning! Thank you!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Hi all! I have a 1984 Ranger, 2.8L V6, about 160k miles on it, previously owned. Had it about a year now and for a while it was running steady, but this problem is new—now the engine really struggles to start (cranks fine but doesn’t start?, and when I can get it started it can only hold an idle for about 20 seconds and then just tapers off and dies. I’ve replaced several parts to do with charging/ignition (alternator, starter motor, starter coil, voltage regulator) to fix other issues, and the previous owner says he rebuilt the carburetor. Is this a fuel pressure issue? If so, any advice on how to fix? I’m pretty new to this so still learning! Thank you!

Sounds like a choke setting issue.

Im not very versed in the feedback 2150's, or if the choke on them isnt adjustable. But there is a black cap on the passenger side with 3 screws, loosen it and turn the cap adjusts the choke. I believe left is richer, right is leaner. Sounds like you need richer.

Does it start fine when warm?

 

[h_f_davidson]

I'll look for that cap and try adjusting it!

Yeah, once I've managed to get it to run a little it then starts much easier. It also didn't have this issue over the summer, when it was hot weather consistently. Wondering also if there's something up that's affected by the temperature. Thanks!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I'll look for that cap and try adjusting it!

Yeah, once I've managed to get it to run a little it then starts much easier. It also didn't have this issue over the summer, when it was hot weather consistently. Wondering also if there's something up that's affected by the temperature. Thanks!

Yep....sounds alot like a choke issue.

 

[AndyB.]

I’d check for vacuum leaks. You could cap all vacuum lines at the tree attached to the rear of the EGR spacer and see if it improves. If it does improve, connect each circuit one at a time to troubleshoot.

 

[Slyronious]

Could be that your carb is icing up under cold conditions. I had this happen for years. It would start and idle for awhile but then start to bog down and die. I had a low temperature thermostat and a cold air intake. When I switched to the factory stat and removed the intake, it idled fine. It needs good heat in the plenum to be able to atomize the fuel. If it's too cold, it will load up and pull in raw gas until it dies. If you have the factory heat riser tube coming off the exhaust manifold, it could have a hole in it.

 

[Jazzer]

^Might not be that cold in Baltimore, but that’s an excellent point. Often the entire heat riser tube is missing and nobody realizes its function. Thanks for explaining it.