87 Ford Ranger running rough

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Nov 18, 2003 | 07:11 PM

tbest

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87 Ford Ranger running rough

I am new to this forum so let’s give it a try. I have a 1987 4 cylinder, 2.3L Ford Ranger EFI. It starts right up, but I have a hard time keeping it running. I have to pump the gas pedal to keep it going, especially now that it is getting cold out. I replaced the air filter but that did not seem to help. I don’t know a whole lot about fuel injection, but it doesn’t seem to have any vacuum leaks. I followed all of the hoses and it was ok. I saw where someone had a post where they replaced the TPS due to high rmp’s while warming up. Any suggestions, I am at a loss on this one.

Nov 18, 2003 | 07:18 PM

Dealford

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Belleville, Ontario

Welcome to FTE tbest. You could try lots of different things and still be wrong. Check for codes first. At the top of the forum page is a "sticky" post called "technical information". Go there to get the proceedures. Test, don't guess.

Nov 19, 2003 | 04:31 PM

tbest

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Ok, I got the codes.

32 (0) 14(c) 18(c)

I guess I will replace the EVP sensor and see what happens

Tim

Nov 19, 2003 | 06:11 PM

thesaintoc

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Joined: Oct 2003

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From: Anaheim

Hold on a minute there before you buy that part. If you have to pump the gas to keep it running let us know if the plugs are sooted black and soaked with gas. If you are turning it over and the fuel pump is working you should be getting a little gas when you first turn on the key. My '86 was not getting gas even though the fuel pump worked and I had spark. My computer relay was sticking closed. If you have these symptoms then remove the relay from the passenger fender well and give em a shake while someone turns it over. You might un stick it. A shade tree way to see if the relay works is to unscrew the fuel pump (green) and computer relay(black) and hold them in your hand while someone turns on the key, then you can feel the mechanical kick going on in the relay. That means they most likely are working.
Let us know how things are going.

Nov 19, 2003 | 07:45 PM

Ken00

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Joined: Dec 2001

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From: South Jersey

You should run the pinpoint tests first, email me for the ones you need.

Nov 19, 2003 | 09:36 PM

tbest

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Ken, The system would not let me email you. I am not sure what the pinpoint test is. I checked my Haynes manual and coulnd not find one. So far today, I have replaced the O2 sensor and the EVP. I did not see the responces prior to going to the auto parts store again. I replaced the plugs wires and distributor cap and rotor a few months ago and the Ranger has been running great, till a few days ago when the cold hit. It starts right up, but will not keep running. If I tap the gas pedal I can keep it going, but as soon as I let off it stalls again. Give me an old VW and I can fix it, but when it comes to fuel injection I am at a loss. My problem is my son turns 16 Monday and is expecting to drive the Ranger.

Tim

Nov 20, 2003 | 10:09 AM

87 XLT

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From: SoCal

If it runs fine after it warms up, try pulling the 2 wire connector off of the coolant temp sensor before the next cold start. If it's failed in the lean/warm engine mode it will be hard to start when cold.