rough running 2.5

[skyking]

I hope I do not get yelled at again. I am new to this website, and I posted this on the wrong forum. Sorry. So here goes. I have a 1998 with the 2.5 and manual transmission. I have not driven it in a few days so when I went to start it up ran rough for about two minutes then idled just fine. when I get on the gas it does not want to "rev" up. I can only go about 5 mph down the street. Has no power. No trouble with it until now. Put a new fuel filter in. No difference. Has 89,000 miles on it. Does not burn oil. Ran well until now. The CEL does not come on and it "lights up" when the key is in the ignition position so I know the light works. Hope someone can save me a trip to a Ford dealer and $500.00! Thank you.

 

[Bryan22]

when you give it gas, the throttle dosen't respond or what? maybe throttle position sensor went out, had that happen on an f 250 diesel at work, it'd idle just peachy but wouldn't go anywhere.

 

[skyking]

It will only go up to a certain rpm then the engine will want to quit. Maybe 1500 rpm's and that is it.

 

[Bryan22]

Hmm... is it getting fuel? check the pressure at the rail and give us some more info??

 

[Hardwareman]

Check your catalytic converter.





Allen

 

[skyking]

Thank you all for the advice. I really appreciate it. I will check the fuel at the rail, and also the catalytic converter. I will let you know soon. Check back in soon. Thank you

 

[skyking]

Ok, I checked the fuel pressure it is at 50 pounds. The converter is also fine. What about a fuel pressure regulator? EGR valve? Is there a way I can check these? Still does the same thing. Thank you

 

[Bryan22]

that sounds pretty bad tho if you can't go over 5mph... Did you check the timing? and how did you check the cat?

 

[marvilusone]

and how did you check the cat?

Thats what I'm wondering.

You could also fire it up and let it run for a little and see if it throws any trouble codes.

 

[skyking]

I disconnected the cat. Rather loud however. I think plugs and wires are next, will do this weekend. This is very troubling to me. Wish I new what was wrong with it. Is there an internal timing chain on this engine? Talked to a mechanic at a Ford dealer he said something about this timing chain/belt. Or is he just trying to get my Ranger in so they can make some money? Why would there be an internal timing chain/belt if there is a serpentine belt on the outside of the engine. Isn't this the purpose of designing an engine so maintenance of the timing is somewhat simple? Is there somewhere on line where I can get some pictures of the engine. Maybe some service manual? Thank's again everyone.

 

[shadetree]

Is your check engine light on, and have you checked the codes? Do that first/

Your engine has a timing belt. It is on the very front of the engine, and has nothing to do with the serpentine belt that powers accesories.

If it jumps a tooth, it will exhibit the symptoms you describe, as will other things. It can be checked for proper timing without tearing the engine apart. You can do it yourself if you have any mechanical abilites. If you don't have the mechanical abilities, now would be a good time to learn.shady

 

[skyking]

My check engine light works fine with the ignition on. It does not illuminate however when the engine is running. I borrowed an OBD two analyzer from advance auto parts and "no" codes come up on it. Will the check engine light come on if the timing is not correct? What about injectors? fuel pressure regulator? So isn't the belt in front of the engine a serpentine/timing belt? I think this is the timing device for the engine. It also runs the water pump, and alternator. This vehicle does not have air conditioning.

 

[Hardwareman]

When you say "disconnected the cat", do you mean that you unbolted it from the exhaust manifold and then ran it........right?

I would believe that if your timing was off you would eventually get a CEL due to some kind of misfiring problem. The belt you are talking about IS NOT the timig belt. That belt needs to be removed along with that plastic front cover on the engine in order to access the timing belt.

Are you smoking out of the tailpipe at all? What color is it?




Allen

 

[skyking]

Yes, I unbolted the cat from the exhaust manifold. Although the bolts were difficult to remove. Had to use some liquid wrench and let it sit a few days. There is no apparent "smoke" coming out the tailpipe. Seems to be normal when it idles well after a minute and a half or so.