I have an 86 2.3L 4WD Ranger, which is giving me fits. For the past several months, it has been backfiring after warming up. It will run perfectly for 10-15 minutes and then the time jumps and is eratic, with stalling, difficult re-starting, and backfiring. I had it to the shop in Jan, and they replaced the distrubtor and the TFI module. It ran well for about 2-3 weeks and then started with backfiring and loss of power and then stalling. (only after warm) I should mention that I checked the fuel system and replaced the fuel filter. since then I have ran and reran the code sensor to find, bad egr, egr resistor, map, ect, all which where replaced to have it run fine again for 10-15 minutes until warm and same symtoms. I have replaced ig coil, and now oxygen sensor and pcv, value. also new wires and rechecked first piston alignment with marks on tdc and cam. I did find that when I went to check on the timing, that the rotor wasn't where I thought it should be (pointing towards the front of the engine and approx 30-45 degrees to the left. not knowing how to fix this I took this as the first cyl position and wired the plugs as 1-3-4-2 and she runs well until warm.
Help I don't know what to do now

Thanks

 

Well, since it runs fine when its warm, i cant see it being timing or anything like that. Could it be somthing heat sensitive too close to the block. It seems more like a temp related thing to me.

 

Don't now if your truck has fuel injectors or not, but have you tried running some cleaner thru the system?? As for the EGR thing there might be a clog in the manifold infront of or behind the EGR sensor..see if you can't pull off the EGR and see if there is alot of gunk in the line. If there is use a coat hanger or pipe cleaner to get the stuff out.

 

Just a thought, but sometimes when the ECM goes bad, it will fire codes pointing to all sorts of engine components that are just fine.

 

I have thought about the ecm being bad, but how do you check that? or do u just get a new one?
thanks

 

A dealer might be able to tell you. Or you could try pulling the computer and switching it over to a friends truck with the same engine and whatnot and see if it starts doing the same thing. Or pull the friend's computer and put it in your truck and see if it runs fine.

 

Actually I talked to a man today who has worked in the auto parts biz for 30+ years and owns a 85 ranger, He said that it sounds to him like the ignition module. and that he's had the mods go out in as short as 2 to 3 weeks, He even goes to carry an extra one because of the uncertainty of them.... figure why not... so keeping fingers crossed I'm goin to put a new one on today and see what happens
I'll let you know

 

Well I tried to no avail....ran great for 10-15 minutes, but then started to choke and spit and backfire, I guess it is close to death

 

Well
guys I finally got it fixed with the help of a professional....
as it tunrs out the wiring harness was shorting out on the EGR by pass tube, from the exhaust manifold to the EGR value, causing the eratic behavior, etc. Since wrapping with electrical tape , she's running well again