small-list-digest Friday, April 9 1999 Volume 03 : Number 081



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ranger, Explorer, Bronco 2 and Aerostar
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In this issue:

FTE Small - Tire rotation
RE: FTE Small - tire wear
Re: FTE Small - High idle on Ranger
FTE Small - RE:- 88 2.3 EFI Help
Re: FTE Small - Tire rotation
Re: FTE Small - High idle on Ranger
Re: FTE Small - Radio Display
FTE Small - Bronco II `88
FTE Small - Rear Axle
FTE Small - 99 Ranger Recall/ Part # date codes
Re: FTE Small - Re: Tire wear
Re: FTE Small - High idle on Ranger
Re: FTE Small - Bronco II `88
Re: FTE Small - Radio Display
Re: FTE Small - Bronco II `88
Re: FTE Small - Rear Axle
Re: FTE Small - Radio Display
Re: FTE Small - tire wear
Re: FTE Small - Manual Hubs
Re: FTE Small - List of problems...
Re: FTE Small - High idle on Ranger
Re: FTE Small - 100K service my eye! was explorer's owners
RE: FTE Small - '86 Ford Ranger Auto Trans
FTE Small - thanks--tire wear

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Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 05:38:15 -0700 (PDT)
From: Bill Ciocco
Subject: FTE Small - Tire rotation

.. IMHO rotation is a big rip-off and causes more
.. problems than it solves if not done *PROPERLY*. (Torqued nuts etc.)

Tim,

I can agree with the properly part, but that goes for just about
everything.

Otherwise I would reccommend rotating the tires to even out the wear
and extend the life.
Due to the forces put on front tires when turning, they will tend to
wear more on the edges, even with the proper tire pressure. The rears
maintain an even straight across wear. By swapping front and rear every
5-10k miles the life of both is extended.

On a FWD vehicle, the turning forces are the same, but we add the
effect of weight differential (especially in compacts). The tire life
is extended, but if one is paying for the rotation it may not pay to
rotate.

If rotation and balance for life are included I would recommend it.
This of course is assuming a reputable shop that will do the work
properly and not attempt to sell you things that you do not need
everytime you walk in the door.

Just another side of the rotation arguement.

Bill


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

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 07:14:51 -0600
From: "Ryan Penner"
Subject: RE: FTE Small - tire wear

Well All I know is that my dad owned a construction company for
11 years and in that time he always had F150's and all of them
went bald on the out side if not rotated often. This was true of
the new trucks as well as the ones that were older. I am just
telling what happened to his, and what you said does make sense,
and I have no idea if any of his trucks ever got alignment.

Ryan Penner

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-small-list ford-trucks.com
> [mailto:owner-small-list ford-trucks.com]On Behalf Of Tim Turner
> Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 1999 8:57 PM
> To: small-list ford-trucks.com
> Subject: Re: FTE Small - tire wear
>
>
>
>
> Ryan Penner wrote:
> >
>
> > My dad's 150 had some Wranglers that are almost perfect on the inside
> > tread, and almost bald on the outside. This is due to the fact that
> > they were not rotated for almost 10,000 miles. (This was before he
> > drove it)
>
> On a RWD vehicle this means the alignment is off; all the rotation does
> in this case) is wear all 4 tires out too soon. (Wheels with non-stock
> offset will cause odd wear also.) With a proper alignment the tread
> wear should be even across the tire regardless of the position assuming
> stock wheels and proper inflation.
>
> In general the causes of tire wear are:
>
> One side only) Toe or camber
> Both sides or center only) under/over inflation
> cupping/feathering) balance or suspension
>
> FWIW I do *NOT* rotate the tires on any of my vehicles, but do balance
> when one is removed. Reasons you ask? I'd rather replace 1-2 tires at
> a time than all 4, wheels have a finite life span if impact wrenches are
> used (the wheel wears out on the lug seat if overtightened), rotor
> warpage due to improper torquing procedure and I'm lazy when it comes to
> my vehicles. ;-) In the early 80s the NHTSA experimented with rotation
> on its FWD & RWD vehicles and found that RWD was better with rotation
> and FWD was *NOT* for tire life. I dont know if this study is still
> valid but I suspect so. IMHO rotation is a big rip-off and causes more
> problems than it solves if not done *PROPERLY*. (Torqued nuts etc.)
>
> Tim Turner/Manic Mechanic
> Custer Auto Repair
> Wilmington NC
>
>
>
>
> >
> > Ryan Penner
> > 92 Ford Explorer
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: owner-small-list ford-trucks.com
> > > [mailto:owner-small-list ford-trucks.com]On Behalf Of Randy Collins
> > > Sent: Tuesday, April 06, 1999 7:29 PM
> > > To: small-list-digest ford-trucks.com
> > > Subject: FTE Small - tire wear
> > >
> > >
> > > i'm curious if anybody else is seeing heavy tire wear on the
> > > front of their
> > > late model rangers? i have a 98 with the off road package
> and my front
> > > tires are cupping pretty good. i only have 9200 miles on it.
> as much as i
> > > hate to say it, i really don't want to have to spring for some
> > > larger tires
> > > real soon!
> > >
> > > i've been looking at other rangers, but have been unable to get close
> > > enough to them to see.
> > >
> > > ran
> > > == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info
> http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
> > >
> > == FTE: Uns*bscribe and
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>
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Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 08:44:07 -0500
From: "Charles Rogers"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - High idle on Ranger

Guys, all vehicles anymore have an automatic choke which can raise the speed
of the idle. It sounds to me like your chokes are sticking which can happen
on high mile engines. You can either attempt to clean the choke mechanism
or you can do like my old man and install a manual choke like cars had 60
years ago. Of course, he drives a GMC. He deserves a manual choke ;)
- -----Original Message-----
From: Tom Kirkbride
Date: Wednesday, April 07, 1999 3:55 PM
Subject: Re: FTE Small - High idle on Ranger


>I have a 85 Ranger 2.8 5 speed and occasionally it will idle at about
>2000-2250. I dont know why it does this. But if you hit the gas hard in
>neutral the idle will drop down. The truck has more than 170,000 miles
>but she is still chugging.
>
>On Wed, 07 Apr 1999 10:57:40 -0600 BJ Tiemessen
> writes:
>>I have a 96 Ranger with the 2.3L and lately every once in a while the
>>idle will stay at 1000-1500 RPM's. Sometimes it happens as soon as I
>>start it and it doesn't matter how far I drive it, it stays ideling
>>high. Just last night it was fine untill I pulled in the parking lot
>>then it stayed ideling high, I sat in the parking space for 5 minutes
>>to
>>see if it would fall off but didn't. Anyone have any ideas?
>>Thanks,
>>
>>BJ
>>
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>>
>
>___________________________________________________________________
>You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
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Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 10:39:39 -0400
From: "Mike McNany"
Subject: FTE Small - RE:- 88 2.3 EFI Help

John wrote SNIP
5 to 10 minutes it won't run right at higher rpm's. If I shut the engine off
for two or three seconds and re-start the engine it is fine for the next 5
to ten minutes, then repeat .>

read
codes again, TPS, replaced, didn't solve. Unplugged oxygen sensor, still
does it, unplugged EGR valve, still does it.>

Don't know if this will help or not but my dad's (small) 84 LTD wagon with a
small v-6(uncertain which one) had a problem that it would stop running
entirely at random during normal usage. After a little bit it would start &
run fine. Took it to several garages & no one could figure it out. Lived
with it like that for 3 years. Finally an independent mechanic replaced the
EGR valve & that fixed it. The EGR valve's stem had a lot of carbon build up
on it (imagine that, it is fed from the exhaust system) and that caused it
to stick intermittently but only when the engine was hot (which is why no
one found it) supplying massive amounts of exhaust gas to the intake. Lack
of oxygen, engine dies! So my bottom line is unplugging the vacuum line to
the EGR won't test a heat related clearance problem. They don't cost that
much & are easy to replace.
As far as unplugging the O2 sensor goes, that should put your computer in a
"limp home" mode that would operate the engine like with a failure of the
sensor. This would not affect an EGR problem (if that's the cause) at all.
Mike in PA


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Date: Thu, 08 Apr 1999 08:04:28 -0700
From: "Michael D. Sheridan"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Tire rotation

Bill Ciocco wrote:
>
> .. IMHO rotation is a big rip-off and causes more
> .. problems than it solves if not done *PROPERLY*. (Torqued nuts etc.)

Hi Bill:

I agree with your opinion.

This would be my feeling about our 1999 Mazda B2500
also. Looking back over more than 40 years of rotating
tires *I* will just buy new tires when I don't like the
looks of the old ones.

To spend the time and money for the removal and replacement
involved in rotating would hardly seem worth it to me.

Michael
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Date: Thu, 08 Apr 1999 16:09:34 GMT
From: alannorthstar mindspring.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - High idle on Ranger

On Thu, 8 Apr 1999 08:44:07 -0500, you wrote:

:Guys, all vehicles anymore have an automatic choke which can raise the =
speed
:of the idle. It sounds to me like your chokes are sticking which can =
happen
:on high mile engines. You can either attempt to clean the choke =
mechanism
:or you can do like my old man and install a manual choke like cars had =
60
:years ago. Of course, he drives a GMC. He deserves a manual choke ;)
:-----Original Message-----
:From: Tom Kirkbride
Well... I don't know about your vehicle, but the last car I had
that had a choke was an '85. Now, they all seem to have fuel
injection, and the idle speed is controlled by the engine
computer control system.

In general, something is probably making the computer decide the
idle needs to be higher -- whether that's a speed sensor, or some
other sensor which is (or is not) giving a false reading to the
engine computer.

=46irst check that all vacuum lines under the hood are properly
attached, and aren't leaking. Often, there can be a split right
at the point where a line attaches to its nipple. This will fool
the engine control computer. . . .

But, if you don't find any vacuum line problem, I think the only
way to check this out is to take it to the dreaded Ford dealer
and have them check the engine out. They will probably find an
error code in the computer which will steer them to the
malfunction.

Later,
Alan
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Date: Wed, 7 Apr 1999 12:01:29 -0500
From: "Charles (Rick) Blanchard"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Radio Display

I have the original Ford am/fm cassette radio in my 88 Ranger. The problem
is that I can hardly see the numbers on the display. Is there a way to fix
this short of replacing the radio? It works fine other than the display
being dull.

Thanks

Rick Blanchard

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

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 13:54:55 -0400
From: "Stephen Bozzone"
Subject: FTE Small - Bronco II `88

Hey,

I've been reading the posts here for a few weeks and they are all
interesting. Reason I joined this list is I'm planning on purchasing a 1988
Bronco II Eddie Bauer Edition. I'm buying it from a friend for $2500 -- it
has 92,000 miles, auto transmission. Few probs: pushbutton 4WD doesn't
work, and AC is weak (i suspect it's just in need of some freon). It has a
minor dent in the side, but otherwise, the interior and the exterior are
fine.

What do you think? Is it a good buy, for my first car? I have a limited
budget and i know this car is getting old, and older cars are more
susceptable to breakdowns and repairs.

Any feedback is apriciated... thanks,

Steve Bozzone
Administrative Director - http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://rockzone.com
ICQ: 196843 || AIM: RudeSkam69
-- "I see now mankind was not meant to last." [Hatebreed] --




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

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 13:28:48 -0500
From: mfl38000 mail.tca.net
Subject: FTE Small - Rear Axle

Hello
I have been reading this list for some time and have learned a
lot from everybody here, so I wanted to start off by saying
'Thanks!". I do have a couple of questions that I have been looking
for answers to and thought that this would be the best place to ask.
I have a '90 BII 2.9, 5spd 4x4 w/ 3.73 gears and I have what
seems to be a lot of "play" or "slack" in the rear axle. When I get
under the truck and (w/ parking brake on and trans in neutral) try to
turn the driveshaft it seems to turn a lot. Maybe 1/4 turn. So I
took off the cover at the rear of the axle and looked at the Diff. and
it looks like the little gears (I think they are called "spider gears")
move back and forth a lot on the small shaft that they fit on.
Almost like there should be shims or something behind them to
stop the movement, but no busted metal came out w/ the oil. I got
this truck used, so there may have been metal in the oil at some
time, but I have no knowledge of any. What I need to know is if
this is really serious or can I just install some shims of some kind
to take out a little of the slack. The truck has ~130K miles on it if
that makes any difference.
On a different subject there seems to be a lot of discussion
about fuel mileage on these trucks, so mine gets about 16/23, and
I blame the 16 on a heavy foot. I think it could be better, and I
cruise on the freeway at 75~80, so that might could be better too,
but I'm happy w/ it all things considered.

Thanks
Mike

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

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 15:46:20 -0400
From: "Eric "
Subject: FTE Small - 99 Ranger Recall/ Part # date codes

Hi all,

I just subscribed to this list so I don't know if this subject has been
talked about or not.

I just received a recall notice for my 1999 Ranger. They want me to bring
in my truck to check to see if I have a possible defective cruse control
cable. Apparently there is a date code at the end of the part # that tells
the month/day and/ year the cable was made. I was told that cables made
after Nov 30. 1998 are OK. They would not tell me how to check the code
myself.

Is there anyone out there that can tell me the date(month/day/year) of this
part #
F87A 9A825 BD 026 09. Thanks

Eric Line 1965 T5 GT (German export)
1990 Mustang LX 5.0 Convertible
1999 Ranger 4x4
http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://userdata.acd.net/line.eric/fordt5.htm

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Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 14:45:58 -0500
From: "Greg Hopper"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Re: Tire wear

i think cupping can also be caused by a lot of hard cornering... it causes
the edges of the tread blocks to wear faster, creating a sort of slanted
looking tread, if im not mistaken...
dave


>I dont think cupping has anything to do with shocks. Its the amount of
>air pressure in the tires. You need to make sure the pressure is the
>same for all tires. Over inflated ones will experience faster tread wear
>on the middle of the tire. Underinflated, the opposite.

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

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 10:38:38 -0400
From: Tom Kirkbride
Subject: Re: FTE Small - High idle on Ranger

Actually, Charles Roger, my 85 Ranger already is manually choked. Any
suggestions for that?

>Guys, all vehicles anymore have an automatic choke which can raise the
>speed
>of the idle. It sounds to me like your chokes are sticking which can
happen
>on high mile engines. You can either attempt to clean the choke
mechanism
>or you can do like my old man and install a manual choke like cars had
60
>years ago. Of course, he drives a GMC. He deserves a manual choke ;)
- -----Original Message-----
From: Tom Kirkbride
Date: Wednesday, April 07, 1999 3:55 PM
Subject: Re: FTE Small - High idle on Ranger


>I have a 85 Ranger 2.8 5 speed and occasionally it will idle at about
>2000-2250. I dont know why it does this. But if you hit the gas hard
in
>neutral the idle will drop down. The truck has more than 170,000 miles
>but she is still chugging.
>
>On Wed, 07 Apr 1999 10:57:40 -0600 BJ Tiemessen
> writes:
>>I have a 96 Ranger with the 2.3L and lately every once in a while the
>>idle will stay at 1000-1500 RPM's. Sometimes it happens as soon as I
>>start it and it doesn't matter how far I drive it, it stays ideling
>>high. Just last night it was fine untill I pulled in the parking lot
>>then it stayed ideling high, I sat in the parking space for 5 minutes
>>to
>>see if it would fall off but didn't. Anyone have any ideas?
>>Thanks,
>>
>>BJ
>>
>>== FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info
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>>
>
>___________________________________________________________________
>You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
>Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html
>or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
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___________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html
or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 13:21:46 -0700 (PDT)
From: John C
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Bronco II `88

Hey there, everything sounds great, except the 4-wheel drive thing. I
understand that those kinds are very expensive to replace, but it just
might be something stupid like a switch or a fuse. My advice, have it
checked out before you buy, especially since it's a friend. If you are
interested, I have a 84 B2 4sale. It's not loaded like the Eddie Bauer
editions, but everything works and it works good. i am in Northern
California, near Sacramento.
Thanks
John Carter

- --- Stephen Bozzone wrote:
> Hey,
>
> I've been reading the posts here for a few weeks and
> they are all
> interesting. Reason I joined this list is I'm
> planning on purchasing a 1988
> Bronco II Eddie Bauer Edition. I'm buying it from a
> friend for $2500 -- it
> has 92,000 miles, auto transmission. Few probs:
> pushbutton 4WD doesn't
> work, and AC is weak (i suspect it's just in need of
> some freon). It has a
> minor dent in the side, but otherwise, the interior
> and the exterior are
> fine.
>
> What do you think? Is it a good buy, for my first
> car? I have a limited
> budget and i know this car is getting old, and older
> cars are more
> susceptable to breakdowns and repairs.
>
> Any feedback is apriciated... thanks,
>
> Steve Bozzone
> Administrative Director - http://www.ford-trucks.com//lc/lc.php?action=do&link=http://rockzone.com
> ICQ: 196843 || AIM: RudeSkam69
> -- "I see now mankind was not meant to last."
> [Hatebreed] --
>
>
>
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info
> http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
>

_________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?

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

Date: Fri, 09 Apr 1999 16:06:01 -0500
From: Matthew Banevich
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Radio Display

Charles (Rick) Blanchard wrote:
>
> I have the original Ford am/fm cassette radio in my 88 Ranger. The problem
> is that I can hardly see the numbers on the display. Is there a way to fix
> this short of replacing the radio? It works fine other than the display
> being dull.
>
> Thanks
>
> Rick Blanchard
>
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info http://www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html
Mine had a light in the back, but inside the radio, open it up, and
replace the little bulb
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 19:18:33 EDT
From: Bakend aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Bronco II `88

In a message dated 4/8/99 11:51:33 AM Mountain Daylight Time,
editor rockzone.com writes:

> 1988
> Bronco II Eddie Bauer Edition. I'm buying it from a friend for $2500 -- it
> has 92,000 miles, auto transmission. Few probs: pushbutton 4WD doesn't
> work, and AC is weak (i suspect it's just in need of some freon).
Price sounds good, but I would guess that actual miles is 192,000. On the
pushbutton 4wd, check the little electric motor on the back of the transfer
case and see that it is getting voltage when you try to switch back and
forth. If it is, do you hear the motor run? If you do it may be all OK and
just need adjustment. There are 3 or 4 small tamper proof screws that you can
loosen and turn the motor to make it engage the 4X4. That was all my 87
needed and it has worked great for another 20K miles. On the AC, I had a
small leak and it would leak down after a month or so. I neverdid fix it and
just unplugged the compressor.
Good luck on your new baby!
Dennis Baken
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Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 19:42:29 EDT
From: Bakend aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Rear Axle

In a message dated 4/8/99 12:36:57 PM Mountain Daylight Time,
mfl38000 mail.tca.net writes:

> I have a '90 BII 2.9, 5spd 4x4 w/ 3.73 gears and I have what
> seems to be a lot of "play" or "slack" in the rear axle.
So I
> took off the cover at the rear of the axle and looked at the Diff. and
> it looks like the little gears (I think they are called "spider gears")
> move back and forth a lot on the small shaft that they fit on.
> Almost like there should be shims or something behind them
if
> this is really serious or can I just install some shims of some kind
> to take out a little of the slack. The truck has ~130K miles on it if
> that makes any difference.

On my 87, at about the same miles I had the same problem. I don't think shims
will help because you will find that the "little shaft" has worn. I went to
the junk yard and got a good tight one (complete rearend) for $100.(easy to
check by turning the input shaft back and forth). That took out about 50% of
the slack. After changing the motor mounts, transmission mount and the drive
shaft carrier, I still had what I considered too much slack! I had a buddy
rock the truck while I watched the underside and saw the leaf springs
wrapping a lot. The metal band that holds the spring pack together was broken
on both sides. I fashioned some temps out of flat stock and 1" bolts, and
viola! The slack was all gone. No more chatter or buck!!!
Hope this helps
Dennis Baken

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

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 99 17:02:25 PDT
From: don neomagic.com (Donald Paauw)
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Radio Display

>
>
> I have the original Ford am/fm cassette radio in my 88 Ranger. The problem
> is that I can hardly see the numbers on the display. Is there a way to fix
> this short of replacing the radio? It works fine other than the display
> being dull.
>

This came up a month or two ago with instructions and the bulb number
described. I don't remember the details but a search of the archives
should bring up what you need. I had the same problem (as did many
others) and the answers were right on.

- -- Don
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 08 Apr 1999 21:42:01 -0400
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: FTE Small - tire wear

Ryan Penner wrote:
>
> Well All I know is that my dad owned a construction company for
> 11 years and in that time he always had F150's and all of them
> went bald on the out side if not rotated often.

FWIW Alignment specs (for Domestic vehicles) are based on having just a
driver and no load' add in a routine load and bingo.. tire wear. 19
years ago when I was going to school I thought it was amusing that
certain customers needed to be *IN* the vehicle during alignment due to
excess weight but it's quite true. Load does change camber and toe.

TT
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 08 Apr 1999 22:06:15 -0400
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: FTE Small - Manual Hubs

Blest25913 aol.com wrote:
>
> Last week I had manual Warn hubs put on my '96 Ranger. The auto hubs went out
> again after 40k miles.

It only took one 4x4 with auto hubs (Isuzu) to convince me I never
wanted 'em again.. Just like power options it's more crap to break down
and costly to fix. The yuppies can have their optioned up SUVs (and
I'll fix 'em all day long!); I want my vehicle to be pretty plain in the
options.. P/S maybe, A/C is nice in the 100+ temps here and that's ALL
I want besides maybe a non power sun/moon roof.

TT

PS: And a definite *NO* to an automatic transmission..
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 08 Apr 1999 22:13:00 -0400
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: FTE Small - List of problems...

Michael Krause wrote:
>
> Hey gang, I've got a '91 Explorer XLT with about 137,000 miles on it and
> problems keep coming up that I'm not too sure what they are. First, I
> flushed my coolant system about 2 weeks ago and now the temp is at the
> "L" of the Normal reading where it used to read at the "R".

Must of really needed the flush! :-) Seriously though, since a T-stat
is cheap pop one in.

> Also when I turn on my
> A/C, there is no sound or temp that the compressor is on. How would I
> go about testing that the compressor is bad.

More likely it's empty or the 'cycling switch' is bad. Go to
www.aircondition.com and you'll find a bunch of willing people to help
you fix the A/C on the posting list.

> Second, when I'm on the
> freeway going about 70 mph in O/D, the transmission keeps shifting back
> and forth from 4th to 5th. Anyone want to take a crack at this one??

MLP and or TPS I's guess.. check the codes and post 'em here. ;-)

> I'm seriously thinking about trading this one in, but I enjoy the
> vehicle and working on it so if you can please help. Thanks so much.
>

Well if you enjoy working on it... ;-)

Tim
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Date: Thu, 08 Apr 1999 22:24:06 -0400
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: FTE Small - High idle on Ranger

How odd to have two different breeds of Rangers with the same title and
problem..


Tom Kirkbride wrote:
>
> I have a 85 Ranger 2.8 5 speed and occasionally it will idle at about
> 2000-2250. I dont know why it does this. But if you hit the gas hard in
> neutral the idle will drop down. The truck has more than 170,000 miles
> but she is still chugging.

Might be a sticky Idle speed control motor; try taking it off and see if
the problem stops, if so let us know and we can go from there.

For the 9? 2.3 Ranger it could be the same or a bad TPS; when it's
idling high try disconnecting the lead to the idle motor and see if it
stays the same or stalls.

TT
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 08 Apr 1999 22:37:10 -0400
From: Tim Turner
Subject: Re: FTE Small - 100K service my eye! was explorer's owners

Ding060297 aol.com wrote:
>
> I own a 96 ford explorer with the v8 all wheel drive it now has
> 60,000 miles on it...



> runs like new again,Better gas mileage and i'm happy again....Even though
> they say they have installed plugs that don't need to be changed until
> 100,000 miles i still in my opinion believe they should be changed at least
> 50.000 miles and wires at 60,000 miles...There may be a spark at 100,000
> miles but that doesn't mean its a strong burning spark...


Yep.. I've seen many a standard copper plug go 100K but I still
wouldn't run even a platinum plug over 35K. I'm eagerly awaiting the
new cars in the shop when they hit 100K with no service... I'm sure the
bill will be pretty healthy! Nice advertising gimmick though..

> Same goes with that
> 100,000 mile gas filter its good insurance change it at least 50,000 miles

At least it's not like the late Dodges where the filter is *in tank* and
replaced on a 'as needed' basis.

TT
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------------------------------

Date: Thu, 8 Apr 1999 21:48:23 -0500
From: "Randy Collins"
Subject: RE: FTE Small - '86 Ford Ranger Auto Trans

i had a 94 w/the 2.3l and was getting about 17-20mpg on average. had
several mods done too.
later model 2.3l's have 8 plugs--8 on the fire side, 8 on the exhaust side.
gives you a more complete burn to improve fuel efficiency and emmissions.
nice setup.

your b2 probably has the 2.9 6-cyl? the 2.3 is a 4 cyl--who's sole reason
for being is for fuel efficiency.
ran

> Date: Tue, 6 Apr 1999 18:42:24 -0400
> From: Tom Kirkbride
> Subject: Re: FTE Small - '86 Ford Ranger Auto Trans
>
> 22 mpg?!?! Thats insane! My 85 Bronco II gets less than 10. I dont
> think the truck was made to ever get more than 15 mpg. And what is this
> 8 plug engine?
>
> On Tue, 6 Apr 1999 13:59:40 -0500 (CDT) Sandman
> writes:
> >On Mon, 5 Apr 1999, David Herron wrote:
> >
> >> On another note, what kind of gas mileage are you folks getting
> >on a
> >> similar truck? This is my first ford pickup, and it seems to be
> >getting
> >> around 10 mpg... Sounds awful low to me for a 4 cyl 2.3, even with
> >140K
> >> miles. It doesn't smoke anymore (did when I got it), and runs well,
> >but
> >> still has a high idle (also has a small leak in the exhaust
> >manifold). I've
> >> changed all the plugs, air & fuel filters, replaced broken vacuum
> >lines, and
> >> run some fuel injector cleaners through it. I haven't replaced the
> >plug
> >> wires yet, but I will soon. Any other ideas to increasing MPG short
> >of
> >> taking it to the dealer?
> >>
> >I get around 22 MPG on my 89 2.3. Its a manual and the 89 ups have
> >the 8
> >plug 2.3 engine(which gets slightly better gas mileage and slightly
> >higher
> >output.) The engine has 166K on it now. Definatly sounds like....

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