It is running like crap!

[zach69]

alright so I have a 1990 ranger 4x4 with the 4.0. It has about 130K miles on it. Sometimes it runs great then other times it goes to crap. The tach surges sparatically and the engine just misses terribly at idel and on acceleration. It has new wires/plugs. I've replaced the Throttle position sensor and the Idel air control valve. The fuel pump/filter was replaced not too long ago due to insufficent pressure. I've also tried cleaning the mass air flow sensor still no luck. It is killing me. I don't want to buy anything new because i'm hurting for money so if anyone has had this happen to them and have fixed it I'd like to take that route.

If you have had this happen to you or you think you might know another possible cause I'd greaty apprecaite the help.

Thanks

 

[LITTLE FOOT]

o2 sensor?

 

[rangerrager]

i could be wrong but i dont think a 02 sensor would casue this lean condition.

 

[rangerrager]

i am having a very simular problem trying to figure out what it is

 

[BlackBII]

Uhh Is it throwing any codes???

If so, you need to check them.

With a surging tach and missing, looks like a electrical issue. Have you checked all the grounds and cleaned them along with the battery/terminals?

You really need to troubleshoot and find the issue, rather than throw parts at it.($$$)

 

[zach69]

yeah I returned the IAC valve and the TPS so no money lost there. I just mentioning the plugs/wires meaning it is getting good spark. And unless the fuel pressure regulator is broken I think the fuel isn't an issue. But yes forgot to mention that I have checked and cleaned all the grounds. Checked the wiring for all the ignition components. there aren't any shorts or anything. I don't get any codes thrown either. I don't think and o2 sensor would do this? I've run cars without them and they didn't do this weird stuff. Well thanks for the ideas. If anyone finds/thinks of a solution it would be real cool.

Thanks

 

[fastpakr]

You're not seeing a Check Engine light, or you've done the tests and received 111 pass codes for KOEO, Continuous, and KOER?

 

[almostclueless]

I wouldn't be surprised if it was the ignition, but solid troubleshooting/diagnostics need to be run rather than just throwing parts at it.

 

[Giant squid]

take the vacum line off the fuel reg and see if it smell like gas, it shouldnt

 

[289-tiger-]

alright so I have a 1990 ranger 4x4 with the 4.0. It has about 130K miles on it. Sometimes it runs great then other times it goes to crap. The tach surges sparatically and the engine just misses terribly at idel and on acceleration. It has new wires/plugs. I've replaced the Throttle position sensor and the Idel air control valve. The fuel pump/filter was replaced not too long ago due to insufficent pressure. I've also tried cleaning the mass air flow sensor still no luck. It is killing me. I don't want to buy anything new because i'm hurting for money so if anyone has had this happen to them and have fixed it I'd like to take that route.

If you have had this happen to you or you think you might know another possible cause I'd greaty apprecaite the help.

Thanks

If you can check the plugs for anything unusual indicating a specific cylinder. Make sure your plug wires are loomed correctly and sparated (cheap wires can cross fire) Clean the throttle body butterfly (It meters air around its circumference at idle) Check all vacuum lines. Maf sometimes cannot be cleaned and will not throw a code, try unplugging for noticable differences with ground off battery when disconnecting or connecting. Would recommend compression test and timing light. Trying to throw no cost suggestions and good luck.

PS: I experienced similar issues from the maf, If you determine it is the issue purchase a quality unit(had to replace a big box unit after warranty before one year use). Check the foundation of the engine first before you put your money into it.

 

[zach69]

You're not seeing a Check Engine light, or you've done the tests and received 111 pass codes for KOEO, Continuous, and KOER?

Both. No light was coming up but I thought i'd try to scan it anyways and still nothing.

 

[whitebassbenny]

fuel filter ?

 

[Stranger ranger]

bad or dirty injector.

 

[89_Black_Beast]

Anyone ever figure out this problem?? I just ran into the same issue... ran fine one day now today it won't get out of its own way. Idles great and and I can take off slowly no problem but as soon as I go more than a quarter throttle it falls on its face and sputters. I'll troubleshoot it this weekend... I guess I'll post what I find.

 

[89_Black_Beast]

This is the mess I found...hope this helps someone, it fixed my problem

Well I put a bottle of dry gas in the tank filled up with new gas, found the ground wire from my firewall to my block was stretched apart(reconnected), found a plug with cracked porcelain(replaced all 6), had a bad battery and alternator(replaced both). I believe the alternator was the problem. If your fuel pump isn't getting 12v it can't push enough fuel. Thats what solved my problem...

good luck,
Yaader