1988 Ford Ranger XLT 4X4 2.9L-FI


I need to know if & how to adjust the timing/idling on my

'88 Ranger ... as it idles in traffic [stop sign] between

700-800 rpm ... at times it feels like it's going to stall out

I believe [atleast for winter months] that it should be idling

'atleast' @ 1000-1200 RPM


Some insight / suggestions welcomed

Thanks

glassman

PS -I'm starting to believe that ALL '88 Rangers were originally painted with RED

 

The idle speed you mentioned is where it's supposed to be. When you go to 1000 rpm or higher then the ignition advances a bit to help with the increased engine speed. If you have a rough idle, you might want to check for vacuum leaks that could be pretty small. Check all the vacuum lines to make sure there isn't any weather cracking or splits where ever a line connects. As an example, my Focus has a large breather hose from the cam cover to the throttle body that has very soft rubber ends where it connects. In winter weather it would idle very rough and sometimes stall out. In order to find the bad spot in the hose I had to take it completely off and bend it around a bit to make the split open up. Replaced the hose and it's been good ever since. Also make sure all the vacuum lines are connected. I found a small line off that went to the air cleaner box once on my 2.9 and I didn't have any idle issues, but it made the idle better after I reconnected the hose. Also make sure the distributor cap is clean and dry inside and out and that the rotor is good and all the plug wires are good and on tight. Something else about the vacuum stuff. If you have unused vacuum connectors on the manifold, make sure the rubber caps on them are in good condition and tight. I had a couple of those on mine that I had to replace too.

 

One other thing I forgot to mention that could be causing the bad idle is the idle air control valve. They get dirty inside and need to be cleaned out or replaced from time to time. It's mounted on the passenger side of the air plenum up near the front end of it and looks like a cylinder about 6 inches long with a wire plug at the back end. Remove the two small bolts to take it off and disconnect the plug. You can clean it with some carbon type spray cleaners and loosen the dirt with a small pick or small flat blade screw driver. It should have a gasket for where it mounts to the plenum but if it doesn't you could make one from gasket paper and a razor blade. This will help eliminate vacuum leaks. Sometimes even after cleaning, the valve still don't work right, so it may need to be replaced. Most good parts stores should be able to get one for you. See what you can do and let us know how it goes.

 

I will look into your suggestions on the weekend

[ highs of 0 degrees]


thanks

glassman