Running rich/cats glowing red/runs like crap!!!!!!

[cardesigner]

Ok, so it's a 94 ford ranger 4x4 4.0 and this problem is driving me crazy!!! When I start it up it seems fine even when I rev it up, but once I get going I lose all power. The only way to get anything out of it is to mash on the gas. The cats start glowing red(running rich) and it runs like crap. New stuff: fuel pump, fuel filter, MAF, both o2 sensors. what could it be? Sprayed carb cleaner around to see if it was a vacuum leak, but nothing. My code reader gave me a 173 and 176 code. Any help would be great, Its my only ride so even though it runs like crap I have to drive it Thanks for any help you can give guys!

 

[Bird]

Bad fuel pressure regulator - pull the vacuum line from it to check if fuel pours out.


Bird

 

[ElleShooTiger]

Yeah, check the FPR, and you really shouldnt run it long or try to drive it, your cats WILL melt down (if they havent already).

 

[jhammel85]

I agree with the FPR too. I've always heard that a red cat is caused by it being clogged. I'd start with the FPR 1st though, just incase.

 

[ElleShooTiger]

I agree with the FPR too. I've always heard that a red cat is caused by it being clogged. I'd start with the FPR 1st though, just incase.

They glow red when they are fed raw fuel and the fuel burns inside the cat. It can very quickly lead to a cat meltdown, and in some case can catch the car on fire due to the intense heat.

 

[cardesigner]

Well checked the FPR and nothing came out... still suspicious of it though. pulled the cats and could not see day light so we will not speek of what I did next My truck IS smog exempt. so wanted to see if it ran better without the cats (just to see if it was the problem) well it did run better but still runs like crap...????????? could the FPR be bad and still not dump fuel in the vac line? running out of ideas. thanks for your feedback guys

 

[jhammel85]

They glow red when they are fed raw fuel and the fuel burns inside the cat. It can very quickly lead to a cat meltdown, and in some case can catch the car on fire due to the intense heat.

Wow, Learn something new everyday. Thanks!

 

[jhammel85]

Well checked the FPR and nothing came out... still suspicious of it though. pulled the cats and could not see day light so we will not speek of what I did next My truck IS smog exempt. so wanted to see if it ran better without the cats (just to see if it was the problem) well it did run better but still runs like crap...????????? could the FPR be bad and still not dump fuel in the vac line? running out of ideas. thanks for your feedback guys

In all honesty it could. My truck was the only time I've had one fail and the diaphragm inside didn't rupture. I checked my fuel pressure and it was way beyond the normal for my truck. It completely pegged the gauge! So, I put on a new one and I've been good ever since.

 

[cardesigner]

Yeah, I guess it would be a good idea to check the fuel pressure.

 

[runtime]

I had a Mercury Sable that had a leaky fuel injector that made the Cat overheat. (cat had a meltdown)

 

[amarillo06]

Hate to see the obvious overlooked, but have you checked your firing order from the coil to the plugs? I've had a crossed wire cause the cats to glow red and the car to miss out really really bad...

 

[kimcrwbr1]

+1 on the firing order sniff the dipstick for fuel in the oil and when it is running have someone give it WOT while you put your hand by the tailpipe to check for exhaust blockage mine was full of cat pieces restricting the flow. with the palm of your hand slap the muffler to see if it is full of crap.

 

[modelageek]

how long has the CEL been on .........you have one o2 sensor reading rich and another o2 sensor reading lean...........

 

[feellnfroggy]

I have a 93 an when mine warmed up it ran like shyt. My cats and everything underneath were alot hotter than normal. I dont recommend it, but I drilled the cats and gutted them. But i suggest maybe replacing yours.

 

[Bird]

If you changed out the O2 sensors lately, you could easily have plugged them up in opposite plugs (left sensor in right plug, etc) - this will cause that kind of problem also. It'll start up and run fine at first and then deteriorate to where one side is massively rich and the other side is lean. All the extra fuel will cause the cats to overheat.

Bird