Hesitation

[84Ranger4X4]

I just got a 87 Ranger for free, but it has a problem. It starts up fine cold but as soon as it warms up it has a stumble once you let off the gas and then gas it again. You also have to rev it up high and slip the clutch to get it to go without stalling. It has new plugs, wires, cap, rotor. The timing belt was also changed recently. It's the 2.3 with fuel injection. Any sugestions?

 

[84Ranger4X4]

I got to run it more today. It seems to be running rich, I can smell it. I figure that's why it runs alright when it's cold. It does have a surging idle also. Any suggestions?

 

[Dave R]

The trouble with free stuff is that there is usually a reason it's free. If you don't know it's history then I'd suggest by starting with checking to make sure the timing belt was installed properly. Then check the ignition timing.

 

[84Ranger4X4]

Yeah I knew there was a reason it was free. lol. yeah it almost acts like the timing is off or the distributor was put in wrong.

 

[MWA]

ECT sensor

Don't overlook the engine coolent temp. sensor that can cause all sorts of havoc.

 

[84Ranger4X4]

I went through it today and checked the timing belt install. It checked out fine. Went through the vacume line's and they all seem fine. Where is the plug at that you are supposed to unhook to set the timing? I can't find it anywhere.

 

[Jspafford]

Passenger side of the motor, back towards the firewall. It is usually close to the blower for the heater. Should have a small black or gray cap in it.

 

[84Ranger4X4]

Thanks I will check it out tomorrow.

 

[Dave R]

Passenger side of the motor, back towards the firewall. It is usually close to the blower for the heater. Should have a small black or gray cap in it.

Not on an '87. It'll be attached to the wiring harness that goes to your distributor. Generally, they are about 3-4" away from the dist.

 

[84Ranger4X4]

Well I fixed it today. It was a combination of two things, the timing was way off, and the Map sensor had one of the three wires not conected. The harness was screwed up so I cut it out and wired in a new one. Thanks for all the suggestions.