New Chick!

[Ms. Bennett]

Hello everyone!
My name is Christell (pronounced Chris tell) and I am a new owner of a 1989 Ford Ranger, 2.9L 2WD. The truck ran great for about a month and then starting having what I thought was engine problems. I have done some but not much research about my truck. I have attempted to find the problem with the help of my father and brothers but not having much luck. If someone could message me back, I would like to explain as much as I can (what has been done, what I have done and what my next step is) to you and see what you think. Thanks to any and everyone who helps me get my truck running right.
Peace

 

[BlackBII]

So whats the problem? Won't run? Wont start?

Give the best explanation that you can of what is happening and we'll try to tell you what we think the problem may be.

 

[Ms. Bennett]

Where to begin....
Well the truck currently runs slow. When its in idle, it shakes like a leaf on on a windy day. When in reverse It shakes even worse! Once the truck is in drive, it wont switch into last gear until I hit about 35-40 mph and It takes about 1-2 minutes to get to 40 mph (literately). Sometimes I try to accelerate and the rpm's will go up but It doesnt go any faster. sometimes while the truck finally goes into last gear, the rpm's decrease while I accelerate. Feels like a misfire but I don't know how to find out for sure. I took it to the shop and they advised me to check the compression and the results were fine. My next step is to check the fuel compression and the fuel regulator. I have tried to check the timing but the gauge is missing. Is there another way I can check the timing?

 

[TheTopher]

Since you mentioned "Drive" is it safe to assume you have an automatic trans?

I'd start with checking your trans fluid. If your RPMs are going up without any increase in speed that's a good indicator that something in your trans is not doing its job.

 

[--weezl--]

sounds like a combination of transmission slipping, the torque converter locking weirdly and a few other transmission problems...

how does the truck run in neutral?

welcome to the site btw!

 

[Ms. Bennett]

Yes its an automatic my bad. And don't worry guys, I didn't take that as rude at all.

 

[JoshT]

Welcome to TRS!

I'm not real familiar with the 2.9 or the automatic transmissions behind them, but I am inclined to agree with these guys that it sounds like a transmission problem. I'm sure that if you work with these guys (and can figure out what they are saying some times) that you will get to the bottom of your problem.

 

[Ms. Bennett]

When the truck's in neutral it runs No different.
And I forgot to tell you guys something... Since I have checked the compression about 2 wks ago, it has been acting likes it gonna back fire. when it its in park it will occasionally spit/pop/however at the tailpipe but when i'm in drive it will only do it the second i take my foot off the gas. Any idea what that could be about?

 

[--weezl--]

popping on deceleration is typically a lack of back pressure, and is quite normal

 

[Ms. Bennett]

And the engine has been rebuilt because of a head problem. The previous owner put rebuilt heads on.

 

[Ms. Bennett]

popping on deceleration is typically a lack of back pressure, and is quite normal

So how do I go about fixing that even though that is the least of my worries. You say it's normal but It didn't do it before. Why now?

 

[Ranger Dave (B25)]

I'm leaning toward bad timing, as in jumped timing. The 'shaking like a leaf on a windy day' makes me think that when the PO did the heads, he didn't line up the timing marks correctly or didn't tighten something correctly and the timing is whacked now.

Welcome abord, Chris tell!

edit: sorry, forgot to add this: To check timing you'll need a tach and timing light. Follow the directions (disconnect this, turn on that) on what to do to check it properly.

 

[--weezl--]

you could have a blown exhaust system, which is no big deal, or your exhaust could be rich, which could be caused by what ranger dave said, timing out

 

[Silver talon84]

Welcome to TRS!!

Couple of questions for you. How many miles does it have, and what have you done for basic maintinece since you have owned the truck? Id start with the basics and go from there. I'm not sold on it being a tranny problem, but more basic things like air/fuel filters, spark plugs, fpr too. Check the little things first, like the fuel filter. Take it off, and see if you can blow through it. If its hard or your unable to blow through it, replace it. Had alot of different cars and trucks shake and stumble, espically in reverse or accelerating, and it was fuel delivery issues (ie: fuel filter, fpr, or dirty injectors).

 

[RatDog8o8]

Welcome to TRS!
This....
Place....
R O C K S!!!