Just how smooth should a 88 2.9 run?

[scottveazie]

So cold it shakes a little in gear, then smooths out some when warmed up. New plugs, no wire arcing, fires on all 6, new tfi and new coil. Never had this engine before, so I'm a total noob.


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[EMB1230]

Couldn't tell you, but I've heard that 2.9's were a bit on the crude side.

 

[Darren99bora]

Make sure you have good OEM plugs I had a 88 2.9 and it ran smooth even cold. The wrong heat range plugs could cause cold stumbling and rough idle possibly.

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[jhammel85]

They're harsh as in they have a loud valve train and it might bump every now and then but I dont think it's bad. To me, It strikes me as an old truck motor.

But a misfire is a misfire!

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

Almost all engines should be smooth if in good repair.

It sounds like you just have worn valve seats which causes poor valve sealing cold

 

[ab_slack]

valve train noise is common, but you don't really feel that.

They certainly can run smooth. My 87 runs smooth cold or after warmed up. My originally 88 ran really clean, but then again I purchased it brand new.

 

[scottveazie]

So I ended up putting the auto lite plugs which I'm never a huge fan of but it is what the parts counter called for. Are the motor craft ones that much better?


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[scottveazie]

Could it also be the fuel pressure regulator


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[scottveazie]

I pulled the vacuum hose off the regulator while it was running and didn't see gas but could smell it. Not sure if that's the correct procedure.


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[fyre82]

A well maintained 2.9 will run as smooth as anything else.
No, they aren't known for speed, are known for leaking, taps, clatters and head cracking.
However, I get 20 mpg out of my '88 super on 31's and she will hold 75 on the freeway and with the exception of a slight exhaust leak at the pipe connection its smooth and quiet all around.

Rich

 

[scottveazie]

It just seems that the shake shouldn't be there at idle. Better when warmed up but when cold I feel it's excessive


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[jhammel85]

That sounds like something isn't right. Any codes? Try running a test to find out.

I also get around 20mpg...I get 19 while going around 70. It's a good motor, regardless of it's "faults".

 

[scottveazie]

Well, the check engine light isn't on. I haven't replaced the plug wires yet but will, I did the test of pulling them off one at a time to see if it made a difference and it does. Spark was yellow before I changed the coil, haven't rechecked yet.


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[jhammel85]

Thats a good start. Even though a check engine light isn't on, it's still worth checking codes. My 87 doesn't have a light to tell me so I have to check if I think somethings a little off. I think the second gen rangers actually have a check engine light though...

Either way, If you can, I'd check them. It's easiest to do use a reader but using a test light and grounding wire works too.

 

[88SXT]

Autolites are fine, I personally recommend NGK's, I despise Motorcraft as most of the parts are overpriced and made in china (just like iphones) Autolites are not my favorite, but the Autozone i work at only stocks select NGKs so I'm running Autolites in my 92 Accord, and I just put a new set in the Ranger