Having trouble starting

[Srtyourmom]

I bought a 88 ranger 2.0 for 200 bucks and motor runs smooth, getting it ready for the road. I was starting it today and it ran for about 5 minutes, drove it around the yard and then it just started sputtering and slowly died(yes it has gas). Fuel filter and fuel pump was changed, its def getting fuel through the line. It wants to start back up but I think my carb is acting up, never been rebuilt and this truck has been sitting for years before I purchased it. I just wanted to see if anybody else feels its the carb(possible the float or needle) or if there is something else going on that someone elses experience can point me to. I am not familiar with carbs, still learning.

thanks

Thurbs

 

[tomw]

When fuel sits in a carburetor, for years, it turns to brown goo. The goo is then sloshed around when new liquid fuel is added. The goo will travel inside the carburetor, following the flow of the liquid fuel as it is fed to the engine. When the goo gets into the small passages, it blocks the flow of gasoline. The engine doesn't like that.
You may be able to remove the top of the float bowl without completely removing the carburetor. If you can, then inspect the inside of the float bowl for goo, crud, dead insects, and other debris. Remove anything that doesn't look like metal or possibly black plastic {the float} and check the passages and holes at the bottom of the float bowl for blockage. Put it back together, and give it another whirl.
tom
You may want to clean out the idle passages. Very gently, turn the idle screw all the way in until it seats, COUNTING THE TURNS. Remember that number. Unscrew the idle adjustment screw, and remove it. Spray into the screw passage with carburetor cleaner, and look inside the carburetor throat to see that the cleaner is getting through. Once you are sure the passage is open and clear of goo, re-install the idle adjustment screw all the way, and then back it out the number of turns you used when you tightened it all the way in. You should be close to having the idle mix adjusted enough to run.
t