small-list-digest Friday, January 22 1999 Volume 03 : Number 017



=======================================================================
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ranger, Explorer, Bronco 2 and Aerostar
Visit our web site: http://www.ford-trucks.com/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe, send email to:
majordomo ford-trucks.com
with the words "unsubscribe small-list-digest" in the body of the
message.
=======================================================================
In this issue:

FTE Small - Re: Cargo light
RE: FTE Small - My Aerostar Stinks!
FTE Small - Ranger FI 2.3 dying
Re: FTE Small - Re: Cargo light
Re: FTE Small - Re: Cargo light
Re: FTE Small - My Aerostar Stinks!
Re: FTE Small - Ranger FI 2.3 dying
Re: FTE Small - Your stereo and my ears
RE: FTE Small - BII engine rebuild
FTE Small - Small radiator
Re: FTE Small - BII engine rebuild
Re: FTE Small - Ranger FI 2.3 dying
Re: FTE Small - Small radiator
FTE Small - ADMIN: FTE's 2nd anniversary

=======================================================================

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 06:15:23 -0500
From: Jeff Baker
Subject: FTE Small - Re: Cargo light

- ----- snip -----
Okay, I was wondering if my cargo lamp
(one of back of cab) is supposed to come on when I open either the
passanger or drivers' side doors. If I turn my light switch to the left
(as if I were turning the inside light on), it will come on, but not if
I open the doors.
- ----- snip -----

Joe,
I have a 92 Ranger and since it was new the only time that the cargo
light comes on is when I turn on the dome light using the switch. I don't
think that it is supposed to when you open the door.

Jeff
92 Ranger 2.3L 101K and still running great....

== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 09:31:16 -0600
From: Chris Rutledge
Subject: RE: FTE Small - My Aerostar Stinks!

Has anyone considered the catalytic converter? Seems like someone told me
once that a certain bad smell (almost like a rotten egg) could come from the
fact that the Platinum had taken a turn for the worse or something like
that. Or maybe its the converter that's reacting with the High Sulphur
Gasolines? I don't know for sure but maybe someone here on the list will
know more about it than I do. Being an ASE Certified Shade-Tree Mechanic
and all.. hahahahah!

Thanks

Chris Rutledge

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-small-list ford-trucks.com
[mailto:owner-small-list ford-trucks.com]On Behalf Of Ken Payne
Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 1999 6:55 PM
To: small-list ford-trucks.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - My Aerostar Stinks!


- -snip-
>
>I forgot the obvious:
>
>Ken, please tell me where in the USA you live and which brands of gas
>you've been buying that aren't smelly. If you're in my part of
>California, I can probably assume that the gas formulations are pretty
>similar within individual brands.
>
>I realized that when I switch from my usual Arco today, it would be good
>not to fill up with an equally sulfurous brand for the test.
>
>Thanks
>
>Richard

I live in Atlanta. I've done well with Amaco, Shell, Quicktrip,
Chevron, BP and Texaco. Speedway, 7-11 and a chain called "Golden
Gallon" have all caused this problem. Its even worse if your
vehicle runs a little rich.

Ken

== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 12:07:55 -0800
From: "Tim J. Clevenger"
Subject: FTE Small - Ranger FI 2.3 dying

Hi all.

I have an 86 Ranger 2WD with 5 speed and 2.3L engine. When the engine's =
cold, it will sometimes stall out when I come to a stop, or if I rev it =
up a bit and then let it fall to idle. I replaced the plugs, cap and =
rotor, air cleaner, plug wires, oil and filter. Any ideas?

BTW, I've owned it for over a year, and it sat for over a year before I =
bought it, so maybe the O2 sensor is shot?

Regards,

Tim Clevenger
'83 Ford Ranger 2WD
'86 Ford Ranger 2WD

== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 19:17:24 -0500
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Re: Cargo light

Jeff Baker wrote:
>
> I have a 92 Ranger and since it was new the only time that the cargo
> light comes on is when I turn on the dome light using the switch. I don't
> think that it is supposed to when you open the door.

But it shouldnt be too hard to drop the headliner and do a little
rewiring if you really want it to come on with the dome light. :-) I
suspect it might be another terminal on the headlight switch; might be
able to jumper two terminals at the harness if a schematic DOES indeed
reveal my theory correct..

TT
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 18:09:34 -0600
From: "John Becker"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Re: Cargo light

remove the inside light to get access to the cargo light wiring.


> Jeff Baker wrote:
>
> I have a 92 Ranger and since it was new the only time that the cargo
> light comes on is when I turn on the dome light using the switch. I don't
> think that it is supposed to when you open the door.
>

== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 20:07:41 -0500
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: FTE Small - My Aerostar Stinks!

Chris Rutledge wrote:
>
> Has anyone considered the catalytic converter? Seems like someone told me
> once that a certain bad smell (almost like a rotten egg) could come from the
> fact that the Platinum had taken a turn for the worse or something like
> that.

If you drive it very long with that stink the converter certainly HAS
taken a turn for the worse; but it's chicken and egg.. did the converter
die a natural death or was it poisened? It's amazing how quickly a NEW
coverter can get restricted/ineffecient if the underlying problem isnt
addresed during it's replacement.

> Or maybe its the converter that's reacting with the High Sulphur
> Gasolines?

For all you EVER wanted to know about gasoline (and then some!) copy and
paste this URL into your browser.

http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/autos/gasoline-faq/part1/faq.html

It's dry, but interesting reading if you can tolerate it. :-)


> I don't know for sure but maybe someone here on the list will
> know more about it than I do. Being an ASE Certified Shade-Tree Mechanic
> and all.. hahahahah!

ASE's new branch; the ASTSE program (Automotive Shade-Tree Service
Excellence) :-) My ASE certifications expired in '94 and '96 and
havent been renewed. Why you ask? With the availibility of study
guides et al. it's too easy to pass just for the cert's; I'm sure any of
the members here could pass at least 2-3 areas and with concentrated
study all 8 for the 'Master' Tech label. The only stumbling block would
be the two year related work experience requirement, but I dont know how
well that's followed up on so it shouldnt be TOO hard to fake that...
I'm all for licensing and practical testing of tech's similar to doc's,
lawyers etc.; malpractice? Sure.. bring it on; overdue anyway in my
opinion. Some of the things I've seen done by others over the last 14
years certainly brings my blood to a slow boil. Ooops.. let me get off
the soap box before I REALLY get started.. :-)

Tim Turner/Manic Mechanic
Custer Auto Repair
Wilmington NC
>
> Thanks
>
> Chris Rutledge
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-small-list ford-trucks.com
> [mailto:owner-small-list ford-trucks.com]On Behalf Of Ken Payne
> Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 1999 6:55 PM
> To: small-list ford-trucks.com
> Subject: Re: FTE Small - My Aerostar Stinks!
>
> -snip-
> >
> >I forgot the obvious:
> >
> >Ken, please tell me where in the USA you live and which brands of gas
> >you've been buying that aren't smelly. If you're in my part of
> >California, I can probably assume that the gas formulations are pretty
> >similar within individual brands.
> >
> >I realized that when I switch from my usual Arco today, it would be good
> >not to fill up with an equally sulfurous brand for the test.
> >
> >Thanks
> >
> >Richard
>
> I live in Atlanta. I've done well with Amaco, Shell, Quicktrip,
> Chevron, BP and Texaco. Speedway, 7-11 and a chain called "Golden
> Gallon" have all caused this problem. Its even worse if your
> vehicle runs a little rich.
>
> Ken
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 20:23:17 -0500
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Ranger FI 2.3 dying

"Tim J. Clevenger" wrote:
>
> Hi all.
>
> I have an 86 Ranger 2WD with 5 speed and 2.3L engine. When the engine's cold, it will sometimes stall out when I come to a stop, or if I rev it up a bit and then let it fall to idle. I replaced the plugs, cap and rotor, air cleaner, plug wires, oil and filter. Any ideas?

The first thing I'd try would be removing the hose at the throttle plate
and giving it (the throttle plate) a good cleaning paying attention to
the edges and the back-side; a toothbrush and an assistant to hold the
throttle WFO so you can get it all are helpful. If this doesnt do the
trick post again and we'll go from there. (The carbon build-up on the
edges can wreak havoc on the idle.)

>
> BTW, I've owned it for over a year, and it sat for over a year before I bought it, so maybe the O2 sensor is shot?

The O2 sensor only comes into play after the engine (and sensor) are
warmed up so I dont see that as being a factor in a cold running
problem. It certainly wont hurt to replace it though; it used to be
suggested every 50,000 miles, but I think 100,000 is more realistic
given reasonable maintenence on the owner's part

Tim Turner/Manic Mechanic
Custer Auto Repair
Wilmington NC
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 20:38:04 EST
From: FrdRngrLvr AOL.COM
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Your stereo and my ears

hey richard..it was not unanmous
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 21:47:31 -0500
From: Burnett
Subject: RE: FTE Small - BII engine rebuild

Tim Turner wrote:
>
> It's what I do! Seriously though.. I was planning to rebuild with some
> performance goodies but with emission laws the way they are now I'm
> really leaning towards a long block from NAPA as I've done the numbers
>

Even with the tougher emissions laws today, aren't there still some things
you can do to enhance performance? I've been told that you can do most of
the major upgrades like headers, free flowing exhaust (with cats, of
course!!) performance chip, better ignition, etc. without killing your
emissions. The things I've been told to stay away from are major intake
porting, a different camshaft, and higher rate fuel injectors. Since the
greatest performance gain on a 2.9L seems to come from the better exhaust
coupled with a performance chip, this situation may not be too bad.

I recently replaced my 2.9L with a remanufactured engine. Since my old one
had a cracked head, it was cheaper to buy the reman than to have mine
rebuilt including new heads. I looked at swapping in a 4.0L Explorer/Ranger
engine, but was too uncertain how many modifications it would take to make
this work. So I decided on the reman., and I am hoping to add whatever
performance upgrades I can in the spring.

Any thoughts?

Burnett
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 21:53:44 -0500
From: Harold Bucks
Subject: FTE Small - Small radiator

Sean, I think you'll find the small radiator is for power steering
fluid cooling.

Quote:
> Date: Mon Jan 1999 21:57:18 -0500 (EST)
> From: Sean MacLennan
> Subject: FTE Small - small rad
>
> I have a '98 Ford Ranger XL with the 3.0 V6, 5 speed standard, and the
> optional suspension package. It has a second very small rad under the
> main rad. Does anyone know what it is for? I would guess it is for the
> transmission fluid but I didn't think you needed that with a standard
> transmission.
>
>

== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 22:44:55 -0500
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: FTE Small - BII engine rebuild

Burnett wrote:
>
> Tim Turner wrote:
> >
> > It's what I do! Seriously though.. I was planning to rebuild with some
> > performance goodies but with emission laws the way they are now I'm
> > really leaning towards a long block from NAPA as I've done the numbers
> >
>
> Even with the tougher emissions laws today, aren't there still some things
> you can do to enhance performance? I've been told that you can do most of
> the major upgrades like headers, free flowing exhaust (with cats, of
> course!!) performance chip, better ignition, etc. without killing your
> emissions. The things I've been told to stay away from are major intake
> porting, a different camshaft, and higher rate fuel injectors. Since the
> greatest performance gain on a 2.9L seems to come from the better exhaust
> coupled with a performance chip, this situation may not be too bad.

Mine's a 2.8 with a computer controlled carb.. not much out there for
it. :-( I was hoping to go with cam, 4 BBL manifold, 9:1 pistons, etc.
but the extra work involved just to make the items 'look' functional
isnt worth it. (In my state the emission controls dont have to *work*;
just be connected and look functional.. but yet; were I to take out my
2.8 and swap in a fully functional 2.9 FI unit that would be *CLEANER* I
couldnt pass inspection since that engine wasnt offered in mine.
with dual exhaust> ) I'll go back stock and just hop-up something else.
(Pre-computer era.) If I had the 2.9 I'd have LOTS of options and the
4.0 has a boggling amount of 'approved' mod's. Am I whining? YES!
Not all of us on the list (or in general) have the $$ to buy a newer
vehicle just to change it around but it'd be nice to have the option to
do SOMEthing performance oriented when major work is required and the
owner wants to KEEP the vehicle rather than scrap it. I really dont
want to go through all the paperwork/hoops involved in retitling my
truck as a 'homebuilt' to get around it either; I'm stuck.

>
> I recently replaced my 2.9L with a remanufactured engine. Since my old one
> had a cracked head, it was cheaper to buy the reman than to have mine
> rebuilt including new heads. I looked at swapping in a 4.0L Explorer/Ranger
> engine, but was too uncertain how many modifications it would take to make
> this work. So I decided on the reman., and I am hoping to add whatever
> performance upgrades I can in the spring.

Depending on your state laws you probably made the best choice! Get all
approved parts, but still be prepared for major hassles every year at
inspection time. :-( I certainly wouldnt advise changing the cam to a
non-approved grind, but I havent seen an inspection program tear down
the engine to see what cam was in it.. ;-) (Just make sure it WILL work
with your chip.)


TT
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1999 00:14:04 EST
From: DJ250r AOL.COM
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Ranger FI 2.3 dying

is it fuel injected ?how about fuel filter ?valve job works wonders
dwayne jackson
so.cal.dez.
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 21:13:49 -0800
From: Tim Bowman
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Small radiator

Harold Bucks wrote:
>
> Sean, I think you'll find the small radiator is for power steering
> fluid cooling.
>


My guess would be it's for the air conditioning. The radiator that
Ford used for powersteering on older Ford P/U's is only about 2" x 4"
and is fastened on the p/s pump.

Hope this helps.

Tim Bowman
71 F100 (w/ tiny p/s radiator)
== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Jan 1999 01:39:18 -0500
From: Ken Payne
Subject: FTE Small - ADMIN: FTE's 2nd anniversary

Hi gang,

Someone just sent me an email asking me about FTE's 2nd
anniversary. The earliest archived email I have is from
January 16, 1997 and its an email asking to be removed
from the list! I started the list two weeks prior to the
first archiving of email so that means our anniversary
is on January 2. With the t-shirts and web site updates
I simply forgot.

We are the oldest and longest running Ford truck list(s)
on the Internet and I wish to express my sincere thanks
to everyone here. Both long-time members and newcomers
are important to our community. As we continue to grow,
so does our ability to do great things - this Christmas
we were able to help a fellow list member in his time of
need after a house fire. Only the 61-79 list participated
and I hope that next year all the lists can get involved
in yearly tradition of banning together for a cause.

Once the club gets going, we'll have even more opportunity....

---

To access the rest of this feature you must be a logged in Registered User Of Ford Truck Enthusiasts

Registration is free, easy and gives you access to more features.
If you are not registered, click here to register.
If you are already registered, you can login here.

If you are already logged in and are seeing this message, your web browser is blocking session cookies. Change your browser cookie settings to allow session cookies.