2.5L ('98-'01) short on power, sometimes...

[eaglescout94]

I get that 100%. I manual swapped my other ranger with a 4.0 and that exhaust was a bear to work around

 

[eaglescout94]

Whatever is wrong with it it’s much more prevalent now. I looked in the bell housing as best I can and there were remnants of a mouse nest I’m guessing. Wouldn’t explain it acting like it’s not running properly though and then self fixing that occasion.

 

[eaglescout94]

Ive got a clutch kit for it and will install sometime, but i swapped out the O2 sensors since I had some on the shelf. They seem to have been the problem. I haven't had the running issues and it idles more quietly.

 

[DeeRanger]

Was the fuel filter changed with new pump. It matters.

 

[eaglescout94]

Yes. Both the frame mounted and the in tank sock since I had only replaced the pump itself

 

[cbxer55]

Recently my 3.0 98 was having intermittent power loss, then self-fixing. I first changed the frame fuel filter. WIth the old one in hand, could not blow through it in the direction the fuel flows. New one half-ass fixed it, but was still suffering the power loss, just less frequently.

Then I read an article on the MAF. Said if you pull the plug off it while idling at operational temp, the engine should quit. If it doesn't, it's not working. Pulled the plug, engine kept running. Pulled the MAF off, inspected the wires. Downwind side very clean and shiny. Upwind, or incoming air side, brown and dirty. MAF spray wouldn't remove it. Cleaned them, very carefully with a q-tip and isopropyl alcohol. FIXED. No more power loss.

I don't know what it was. Not oil, I use a stainless steel mesh cone filter. But something brown and kind of sticky. Weird. In any event, sure is running great again.