same problem

[burnsroseburg]

I had to do a double take when I read this post. My 88 ranger starts great in the a.m then after a few seconds the "check engine" light comes on, the r.p.m's drop and I have to keep my foot in the gas to keep it running. After 5 or so min. light goes off and engine starts to idle. drives great till last mile or so to work, then acts like it's out of gas. when it's warm it is hard to start, and as i'm driving everything but the "check engine" light occurs. I am becoming violently angry with this inannimate object, so any help would be appreciated

 

[BlackBII]

Well, the first thing to do is pull codes, since the light keeps coming on. That'll give you a clue.
Looky here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/OBD_I.html
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2digitcodes.html

 

[Psychopete]

when it's warm it is hard to start, and as i'm driving everything but the "check engine" light occurs.

This statement is a bit confusing as far as "everything but the \"check engine\" light occurs"... Any insight on what this means?

What you describe sounds kind of like a bad ECT.

You really should pull codes first, as stated above. Throwing parts at will get you only that much less richer.

The ECT sensor is testable, test sensor cold and note outside temperature, get it up to temp (typically 195 deg if correct thermostat) and test what the sensor is telling computer.

http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/?p=28

There is the ref voltage (5v positive) and the signal which will vary depending on temperature. If it's out of specs, it should be replaced. Keep in mind that these trucks are old and can have more than one issue.

Those two things would probably the first places I'd start looking..

Pete

 

[ranger]

i would pull the codes and if nothing try replacing the plugs and wires

 

[burnsroseburg]

clarification

i meant all the previously mentioned performance issues- it acts like it is running out of fuel and loses power until i "gun it" but the check engine light usually won't come on. I did try disconnecting the o2 sensor and that seems to improve performance to near perfect. will this harm the engine? is it o.k as a temporary fix? how important is the o2 sensor?

 

[Tedybear]

It's pretty important to have a functional O2 sensor, with the cost of fuel? You'll need to make the most of the $$ you can. That sensor helps keep the fuel to air mixture at it's optimal point. Running without it can make the system run to rich...which can lead to other problems over the long term.

If we can keep in mind, the recommended change interval for an o2 sensor is about 60,000-70,000 miles. These are "Heated" o2 sensors, and over time? Will slowly take a dump no matter how well maintained. I know someone will pipe up and state "I've got over 150,000 on mine with NO problems!!!". Well...good for you! However with anything that sits in the exhaust stream? It's not gonna last forever.

S-

 

[burnsroseburg]

It's pretty important to have a functional O2 sensor, with the cost of fuel? You'll need to make the most of the $$ you can. That sensor helps keep the fuel to air mixture at it's optimal point. Running without it can make the system run to rich...which can lead to other problems over the long term.

If we can keep in mind, the recommended change interval for an o2 sensor is about 60,000-70,000 miles. These are "Heated" o2 sensors, and over time? Will slowly take a dump no matter how well maintained. I know someone will pipe up and state "I've got over 150,000 on mine with NO problems!!!". Well...good for you! However with anything that sits in the exhaust stream? It's not gonna last forever.

S-

Thank you very much. I believe this one took a dump around 123,000 miles, maybe before then. and it may not be the origional