runs rough

[Hanster]

It used to be when the engine was cold it would run fine and sputter when hot. But now its to the point when I start it up it falls on it's face instantly. It sputters, misses, pops. Idles all over the place. Im not sure if it is the same problem now as it was or if its because its summer and not winter anymore.

I need ideas on what to look at.

I have recently replaced these items trying to fix it-
TPS
Fuel pressure regulator
coolant sensor
cap and rotor
looked at the spark plugs
MAP sensor
02 sensor
looked at the EGR
gutted cat (thought it was clogged, it was red hot after driving 2-3mi
new air filter
had TFI checked at autozone several times

I believe the engine does run rich due to the red cat. but idk. any help would be appreciated.

 

[Spitfire1975]

check the codes and see what the computer is telling you.

coil, distributor stator. Run compression and vacuum tests. The truck needs a functioning cat.

 

[jhammel85]

I agree with spitfire. I bet a cat would help. Even a highflow cat..

Its odd that its red hot even though its been gutted...is it literally red? Thats a tell tale sign of a clogged cat. Perhaps not all of the guts came out??

 

[Hanster]

i want to get it running correctly before I put money into replacing the cat. and the cat was glowing red when i did drive a couple miles, which is why i gutted it because i thought it was my problem, just like everything else i did. but it is not, and its not red anymore. It won't drive period now, so im fixing this problem first then I'll move on to the cat.

I'll be checking vacuum lines today.

 

[low_five]

clogged muffler. my dad had a family of rats move into his muffler and pack it full of almonds. the thing wouldnt idle right until he removed a spark plug and left it out. all the exhaust was exhausting out the one spark plug hole, because it couldnt go out the muffler.

 

[dangerranger10]

i dont see you guys' big thing with the cats because my 98 dodge has the cats cut completely off and so did my 92 ranger both run fine