Idle and running issues with 88' ranger 2.9L

[DueyCuminer]

Ok to start things off I'm very capable of fixing a vehicle when I know what the parts actually are with that being said I rarely know what the parts are or where they are located.

I have an 88' ranger 2.9L. Exhaust cut before the cat and straight pipes back. When it idles or you hold rpm at a constant it sounds like a boat motor out of water and occasionally there is a big clod of black smoke (most common) a back fire and a cloud of blue smoke or just a lot of white smoke. Started doing it after I washed the engine well out with degreaser and water hose. When idling it likes to drop to 500 Rpms and will idle fine if you give it a quick push on the gas pedal to jump Rpms to a quick 3-4k and then it will idle around 1100-1200. When I get going down the road it will randomly go to the boat motor sound and will only stop when you increase speed (ie push down on the gas pedal). If you try to hold speed it will continuously run like poo. It was only doing this until I hit the interstate but now it does it pretty much constantly. I've read that the air fuel ratio is off but have no idea where to adjust. Also been told to check various filters for blockages but again have no idea where to look. Please help.

 

[DueyCuminer]

Also the belts started squealing really bad on start up or when you let it die from idle and put in gear to let it start back up at the same time these issues presented themselves.

 

[AgPete139]

To be blunt, it sounds like it needs a major tune up.

It also sounds like your piston rings are crazy bad. Your valve guides are probably, too.

Search around on the site. But, start with just tune up stuff and get a friend that knows what they're doing to help you out.

You come to a site asking for free handouts of information. It's a free source; do some work yourself.

 

[enjr44]

Started doing it after I washed the engine well out with degreaser and water hose. Please help.

If it suddenly started doing something bad after you did something (washed the engine), I would say you screwed something up when you did that.

I am not knowledgeable on the 88 2.9; but, I would start by checking vacuum lines, and electrical connections that could have been damaged by oven cleaner/water. There are also a number of sensors that may have been contaminated and need to be cleaned or were damaged. Ignition (backfire), MAF (poor idle/accleration), AIC (poor idle), TB (all or the above), etc.

Search the tech articles to learn your systems and go from there. And remember that dirt don't hurt (unless it is in the air filter or fuel tank)!!!

 

[DueyCuminer]

I wash it monthly and have never had an issue. I don't use a pressure washer to prevent damage and I use an engine cleaner that is safe and evaporates quickly once mixed with water. Never had an issue and nothing is wet still. All connections are tight. Only thing I have found is the air box separated from the hose and it has been fixed. The problem is still intermittent which is what makes it hard to diagnose.

 

[Spott]

Intermittent problems are usually electrical problems, and most likely related to a loose or corroded connector. If it's not a connector, second most likely is a frayed or exposed wire.

 

[enjr44]

Intermittent problems are usually electrical problems, and most likely related to a loose or corroded connector. If it's not a connector, second most likely is a frayed or exposed wire.

Or a bad/loose ground. Since everything on these trucks is painted before assembly, those ground wires a really important and there are many of them (engine to firewall, battery to frame, etc.).

 

[Cam10]

it might be a good idea to check your timing as well. The 2.9 is a pretty solid motor, in my experience. sound like you need a good tune up ( plugs, wires, cap and rotor, timing check/ maybe a timing chain.)

the belt squeak on start-up is a bit of a pointer toward timing issues, again in my experiences. check it out with a timing light.

 

[black_demon69]

Check dizzy cap might be wet and arching inside cap causing a misfire....