Notices
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

HELP 4.0 is choking!!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 18, 2008 | 12:10 PM
  #1  
dano1805's Avatar
dano1805
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Question HELP 4.0 is choking!!

I have a 99 4.0 2wd ranger. I had a head that gave out on me. So I replaced the head and all the gaskets for both sides. I had the heads checked out and all is good. I also replaced the water pump.plugs and wires, tension pully, belt and battery. I tried to start it and it sputters and does not want to idol.When runing I have to keep the gas all the way down to just get a little power. I have taken the valve covers back off to see if the drive train needed adjusting. Everything seems fine. I went over all the bolts, plugs and hoses, everything is correct. Could it be the timing? I never took the coil pack off the intake. If so how would I re-set the timing?? I have been working on this issue for two weeks everyday after work and I'm lost for answers. Does anyone know why my truck may be running this way? If so what do I need to do correct it. Please help I need my truck back!! She has 125K miles on her.
 
Reply
Old Jun 18, 2008 | 12:28 PM
  #2  
Lazy K's Avatar
Lazy K
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
A few things to check until someone who knows your engine chimes in. Are all the fuel injection wiring plugs connected? Are all ground wires connected and clean and tight? Have you double checked the firing ordet? Is the cat plugged? Hope this helps.
 
Reply
Old Jun 18, 2008 | 12:59 PM
  #3  
Rockledge's Avatar
Rockledge
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
The plug wires are routed correctly, right? See: Ford 3.0L & 4.0L Cylinder & Coilpack Terminal ID Numbering (DIS/EDIS)
 
Reply
Old Jun 18, 2008 | 01:06 PM
  #4  
Bear River's Avatar
Bear River
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Originally Posted by dano1805
I have a 99 4.0 2wd ranger. I had a head that gave out on me. So I replaced the head and all the gaskets for both sides. I had the heads checked out and all is good. I also replaced the water pump.plugs and wires, tension pully, belt and battery. I tried to start it and it sputters and does not want to idol.When runing I have to keep the gas all the way down to just get a little power. I have taken the valve covers back off to see if the drive train needed adjusting. Everything seems fine. I went over all the bolts, plugs and hoses, everything is correct. Could it be the timing? I never took the coil pack off the intake. If so how would I re-set the timing?? I have been working on this issue for two weeks everyday after work and I'm lost for answers. Does anyone know why my truck may be running this way? If so what do I need to do correct it. Please help I need my truck back!! She has 125K miles on her.
There are almost no adjustments that need to be made. Unless you removed the timing chain, there is no way the timing is off, and there is no way to/no need to adjust anything. The timing is not adjustable, nor does it need to be, the computer controls timing. But if the wires are not routed to the correct plugs, that could cause your problem. Were you having this same problem prior to pulling the heads.
 
Reply
Old Jun 18, 2008 | 01:08 PM
  #5  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
Welcome to FTE.

Do you have a Check Engine Light lit????? If so, pull the codes & post ALL the trouble code numbers & the order in which they were found.

If the head gasket/s were blown, then the coolant may have wiped out the O2 sensor/s, so check their switching speed.

A dirty MAF sensor can fib to the computer & confuse it about true air flow demand into the engine. so you could disconnect it & see if it runs better or worse.

If better when disconnected, clean the MAF sensor with a nonresidual spray that says it's recipe is for cleaning MAF sensors.

A dirty air filter, or rodent plugged intake air tubing can choke the engines beathing.

Make sure you got the plug wires back on the correct plug.

Check engine compression, if it's not right, make sure the valve timing is right, then check the ignition timing with a light.

If you had the CMP out, make sure you got it aliged/timed right, as it controls the fuel injectors.

Have you disconnected the B- battery cable since all the repairs, to reset the computer, so it can begin to relearn all the things it needs too????

More thoughts for pondering, let us know how it goes.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:10 AM.

story-0
5 BEST / 5 WORST Ford Daily Drivers of the 21st Century

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford daily drivers of the 21st century.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-23 08:55:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Fords to Drive Before You Die

Slideshow: 10 Fords to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-22 14:29:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition

The latest Expedition is quite popular, but it certainly isn't perfect.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-22 14:23:19


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-5
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-7
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE