Lately, my truck has been getting a little sluggish. Gas milage wasn't too far behind it to go. Replaced all plugs. Wires looked good. Helped gas mileage a little. But still seems rather sluggish. Naturally it will be sluggish being only a 2.3L. But it's worse than I when I first bought it used. Not sure where to go for finding out what's wrong. It's running great. Idles smoothly. Just no power.

Also, as it accelerates there seems to be a whine coming from the transmission. Is this normal? It's been there since I got it. My friend also owns a simliar Ranger and there is the same whine. Just making sure the trans isn't going out on me. Thanks.

 

I would replace the fuel filter and maybe run some fuel injector cleaner through it. I did it on my 85' Ranger and I don't think it was just my imagination, but it seemed to help my top end power a little. How much milage is on youe engine?

 

First thing is to stop by a friendly auto parts store and get then to look for any codes that may be stored. Some may be stored even if the CEL is off. It sounds like the whine is a normal truck noise, but you may want to check/replace the fluid.
Dave

 

how many miles?
do a complete tune up minus the plugs.
the tranny noise is common on these trannies. just make sure the fluid level is at the bottom of the fill hole and she should be fine.

 

I would also clean the throttle body, I cleaned mine about a week ago and it runs smoother and has better throttle response. My transmission also has a whine, so I am guessing this is a common thing in the rangers.

 

Let's see if I can answer many of the questions up front.

1. 136,000 Miles on the truck.
2. Past owner never had any check engine lights on it.
3. Plugs just redone.
4. Wires look brand frickin' new.
5. Hoses are good. No crack, look new as well.
6. Transmission fluid is good on both level and quality.
7. Antifreeze level is good, just topped it off this week, and still a pretty green color.

 

What kind of mileage are you getting?
Dave

 

Make sure that your engine operating temperature is high enough - at least 195 degrees. Less than that and the truck runs in a "loop" rather than the computer utilizing all of the data from the sensors. Seen it before.

Hope this helps.

Russ

 

How would I go about checking the temperature that accurately?

 

I would think a laser temperature gauge on the thermostat housing would work.

 

Make sure the heater core isn't clogged - you will not get accurate temp readings which will cause the truck to run in open loop. This will certainly have an effect on mileage, as will and O2 sensor. My trans (93 2.3L w/ 5spd) has the same whine you mention...