power loss

[dirtymike]

1987 ranger LWB 4x4 FM145 trans 2.9L EEC-IV. Was having a little miss at highway speeds until my alternator went out. With that done it had a day and started a dead miss. Changed out TFI with a couple i knew were good, same story, dead miss at idle now. Fuel pressure is at idle is 28-32, At WOT its 38-42. Sit at 38psi key off for 1 hour, then to 0 psi. No gas smell or liquid at FPR vacuum line. Fuel pump? Any help is appreciated. Dirt

 

[dvdswan]

How are the plugs, wires, dizzy cap, coil, etc.?

 

[dirtymike]

All the distributor part are fairly new. Had a similar problem years ago and it ended up being the pick up coil inside the distributor(hall effects sensor?). Pressed in new one and off i go. Think it had to cool off first. Every time i think its the TFI it proves me wrong. Seems rangers of that era 83-88 are plagued with fuel issues. Got the fuel pump out of the tank, sure was ugly. Tank seem to be OK for a steel fuel cell.

 

[dvdswan]

What concerns me is the sending unit being covered in rust. Tells me there is a lot of condensation in the tank possibly mixing with the fuel.

 

[dirtymike]

Yes Sir there sure is a lot of bubbled up rust going to the half full mark on the pump tubes. I assume that is where i keep it filled to 99% of the time plus i ran a lot of sea foam through it this winter. From my findings its not an optimal way to operate. LOL. I guess condensation would be alot less if i would have kept it full?? I haven't taken many fuel tanks out so don't have anything to judge from. Going to drain and clean it and search for a way to seal the rust to the walls of the tank. Easier to take the bed off than it is to jack up one side like i did last time. Had an issue with clogged injectors couple years back, cleaned and rebuild and was still running!! Ive had to abandon the local AZ, getting a lot of sketchy parts. Rock auto come on!!

 

[dvdswan]

I'm certainly no expert, but my understanding of late fuel injection systems is they are a closed system with the evap canister as a breather. A bad seal on a gas cap or a cracked hose can cause issues with drivability, bad mileage or set a code for whatever reason. Condensation would probably depend on how much humidity is in your area and temp differences. I'm sure someone will correct me on this if I'm totally wrong or off base.

 

[gaz]

@dirtymike ,

Your fuel rail SHOULD NOT DROP to 0 psi in 1 hour. I had a 2.9l sit for 10 years and the rail was at full pressure when tested! I would lk into this .(

 

[dirtymike]

I'm in the process of replacing the fuel pumps and filter now. If the injectors are clogged ill have to take the top plenum off and rebuild or replace. Ive rebuilt them once before a few years ago. A lot of rust had accumulated in the screens. I thought it was from the fuel manifold but after taking the fuel pump out of the tank(2nd time) and seeing all the rust in the filter and on the siphon tubes i think the source of contamination is in the tank. Anybody here ever place tank liners (Kreem) in these tanks. The canister that is in line on the fuel line, is it necessary?. Seems i had a issue with it and by passed it a while back. Ordered pumps, strainer and filter from Rock Auto, shipping cost are getting up there. Never dealt with rock-auto before. Dirty

 

[dirtymike]

Got a break in the rain and drained the tank , sure is a lot of scaly rust. Didn't know it was this bad. If the fuel filter is full i,m sure the injector screens are full again. Cone on Rock Auto

 

[Vindictus]

Have you thought about getting a plastic tank from a newer model? Should not be hard to find in junk yard

 

[dirtymike]

No, I don't go to junk yards until i need a body part.