Just got used Ranger

[klingon20]

Just bought a 1997 Ranger XLT with a 2.3, this has a auto trans.

213715 original one owner miles, had been sitting for over one year, put the jumper cables on and waited 20 seconds and it fired up on the first try.

I will search the forum but the immediate problems i noticed is the truck runs fine with the accelerator pedal depressed but once you remove your foot as to put it into gear the engine dies out, also on the right side of the engine back toward the firewall there is some lines/tubing with fabric heat wrap, the wrap is old and starts to ignite and burn when engine is hot (what is this and is it needed).
Fuel guage is reading MTY used a 2 gal gas can to put fuel in it and notice some fuel leaking at the tank area (this only happen when the gas can pressurized) when pouring to where there was no psi there was no noticable leak.

Other than addressing the issues above and a good tune up i think it was $500.00 well spent

 

[BLUE "B"]

Welcome. First you most likly don't need that fraying crap. If they are rubber hoses, vacuume hoses try to tie them up out of the way with some zip ties so they don't touch anything hot. The fuel leak is most likly that the steel lines that come off the fuel pump have rusted a pin hole in them. PITA to change but it has to be done as that could be the cause of your engine dying. The other cause of your engine problem could be that the fuel pump is weak, the truck has alot of miles on it and it's about the time that it does quit on you at the most inconvienient time. Good luck with it though because once you get those problems addressed they are a pretty reliable truck.
P.s> I found with my truck that it was easier and less time under the truck getting a creak in your neck if you just take the box off. There are 6 t50 torx head bolts on the top side of the bed to undo, but spray lots of lube under first otherwise you'll be cutting them off, then undoo the 3 screws that hold the gas filler neck to the box side, then unplug the light harness from your tail lights and anywhere the harness is attached to the box and 2 guys should be able to remove the box with no problems at all.

 

[B2 Addict]

Welcome to TRS!!

I don't know much of anything bout those Rangers & those engines, but I wish you much luck getting her up to par!!