Need insight

[1989rangerob]

Losing power at higher speeds, 3rd, 4th and fifth gear

My 89 2.3 liter 5 speed Ranger is losing power in fourth and fifth gear sometimes third at the top end, then it goes into the lower gears. I replaced the fuel sending unit. It feels like the motor is starving for fuel at higher speeds. From a stop it runs fine up through the gears. Then, same problem. It also shutters, shakes and the motor gets loud while this is happening. I'm friggen stumped

 

[Mark_88]

Okey Dokey Rob...posted in your other thread before seeing this...

Essentially, check the FPR if you haven't already done so. If you could do a fuel pressure test while driving that would be ideal so you could tell if the pressure is bleeding off. These engines need between 35 to 45 PSI to function properly and what can happen is the pressure is dropping due to a leak somewhere..so start with the Fuel Pressure Regulator on the fuel rail and smell the hose to see if you detect a fuel smell...if so...the FPR is done...replace...

The noise and other symptoms (usually bucking, lurching, or hopping down the road) are understandable once you know the fuel supply is interrupted...I've seen tests on fuel pressure while driving done and that either confirms or eliminates that as a problem...then we can look at other possibles...



Here is one to watch...this was on a newer Ranger that requires the 60 psi...yours is still 35-45 psi

 

[tomw]

I would be thinking that it is a delivery volume problem. Will it climb a good hill without starting to lose power? If you had a carb, the float bowl would 'cover' for a slight reduction in flow, as it would fill on level ground, low load conditions, and start to 'run dry' climbing a hill of the delivery volume was reduced.
Has the fuel filter been changed? Does this have the two pump system? One in the tank, in the 'sending unit' assembly, and one on the frame rail about under the drivers seat? The second is the higher pressure pump. In between on some is a canister that may hold a filter, or not, depending. The canister has two lines in and out for 'return' style systems.(total 4 lines) Some are just empty, apparently to use up the stock of that style fuel lines, etc.
Any way, you can check delivery volume using a pressure gauge with a bleed & bleed hose. At idle, with the gauge connected, open the bleed and collect the fuel for a measured time, stop. Determine the fuel flow rate using the collected fuel and elapsed time. If it is low, check filter & pump.
tom

 

[1989rangerob]

Alright, off to the auto parts store

 

[1989rangerob]

Turns out the little plastic clip on the fuel line wasn't secured completely. Did plugs and wires. Secured the clip on the line. It runs right now. Thanks for the help