I have an 89 Ranger 2.3l with 255,000 miles on original engine. The engine runs like brand new. I'm just curious as to why it's extremely sluggish when cold. Example, it was 3 degrees this morning and I literally couldn't get over 45 mph for 5-10 mins. Everyone was passing me. No knocks or other strange noises just doesn't have any power. Once warmed up its completely normal. Obviously my '01 4.0 Ranger doesn't do this so I was mainly interested in why? Do they use different metal materials, is engine wore out (obviously it is to an extent), or something else?

 

82 reads & no replys, so I'll see if I can get things started.

Lets think about this some more, it starts & runs, so its getting air, fuel, spark & has some compression, question is, whats limiting speed???? Usually if it runs but is slow, first look to fuel delivery (pressure & volume over time), then air delivery, then maybe spark advance & with the miles on it compression.

Are you using the spedified weight/viscosity lubricants, is the battery voltage & amp delivery up to spec & if so, have you checked fuel pressure & delivery rate over time & engine compression????

 

A quarter million miles on the calipers could lead to water in the brake fluid as it is hydroscopic. The water could freeze, and keep the pads applied a bit when cold, and release to normal when warmed up.
Have you ever flushed the brake fluid? Calipers can also stick from normal wear and tear, or the seals on the pistons may get stiff with cold. Rear brake shoes could be dragging, weak return springs, water in the wheel cylinder, gummed up parking brake linkage that slowly oozes to 'release' over time, gummy parking brake cable.
The way to check is to jack up each wheel when cold ... after applying the brakes at least one time to semi-duplicate the start of the few miles it take to loosen up. Spin the wheels and see if the brakes drag.
One other thing to check are the temp sensors, but not as likely if the engine runs smooth from a cold start, without stumble, etc.
The differential and gearbox should have the right viscosity lube. Has someone serviced them and possibly put in the wrong gear lube? Some transmissions take ATF, so if 80W90 or similar was installed, you'd have drag, but likely stiff shifting also.
tom