Hoping not to repost (but know better)...

[Acme11]

Hello - first time poster here, but it took me a minute to find the forum.

Sorry to start with a pair of questions, but having read some of the great technical replies here I realize that my experience with my truck is far less than the other folks who post. I'll likely respond in the audio forum at some point, as high-end competition audio is kind of a thing with me.

Also - I have searched for these things, but it seems my difficulty is slightly unique (aren't they all)...

Anyway - I have an '86 Ranger, 2.3fi 5-Speed 2WD. It has 335,000 miles on it, and everything is original, with the exception of the starter (and battery, tune-up items, brakes, etc.). Clutch and entire driveline is stock/original. Runs perfecto. Entire interior is from a '93 Splash (except the dashboard).

I have two questions:

1) Regardless the great clutch feel, the pedal goes all the way to the floor before disengaging the clutch (and it's starting to get to where this is barely sufficient if it's cold). I'm guessing it's the slave cylinder, but thought I'd throw the question out before a trans-out job. It's killing me to think the original lasted 25 years/335K miles, and that I'll have to replace it with some aftermarket POS. Any other suggestions? Bleed it? Master Cylinder? If it's replace it - can someone suggest the best one (or are they all re-badged "same thing in a different box")?

2) I'm thinking I've got crud in the gas tank, but the fuel gauge works seemlessly between very full (needle above the "F") to empty (needle just below the "E" - where I lose courage and fill the tank). But I can only ever get 8 gallons in it. IIRC it has a 14 gallon tank - think there's 6-gal worth of water/etc.? It does cough/sputter right after filling for the first 5 minutes or so.

Thanks for reading. Appreciate anything you might have to add.

- Joe

 

[srteach]

1. Save some money, bleed the clutch. If it doesn't get better, or gets better then goes back to bad, time to check slave. The master may have a bypass bleed problem as well.

2.The float, which sends the signal to the dash gauge, will float on water. If you are only able to put 8gal in there, there is some other reason. If you have to check the tank (and haven't lined the bed), I recommend you pull the bed. It's easier to do.

 

[Acme11]

I'll start by bleeding the clutch system.

I may just replace the tank with a larger one. I'll let you know if I find an aquarium in there (complete with gravel...).

Thanks much for the reply.

Joe

 

[scotts90ranger]

water is heavier than gas, so if there was a bunch of water in there it would be sucked up first... most likely scenario is the sock on the fuel pump fell off so it won't suck in all the fuel.

if the clutch pedal goes to the floor there's either air in the system (has the reservoir gotten empty?) or the slave or master cylinder are shot