When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi. This is my first post!! And of course I need help. I have a 87 Ranger 2.0 with a carb & 5 speed. The truck idles irratically when cold, revs up & down, then steadys out once it heats up. However, when shifting gears, you let off the gas & press the clutch, the engine does not slow down any for a few seconds. If you hold the clutch in it will eventally slow down to idle speed. HELP!! Thanks.
Pop open the hood, take off the air cleaner. Start up the truck and observe the idle speed control solenoid on one side of the carb. Normally it should just be making contact with the throttle linkage at idle; if it looks like it is extended, try unplugging the electrical connector and see if that retracts it. There is usually a diagphram attached to it as well that provides a dashpot function; it keeps the throttle from slamming shut when you take your foot off the gas and stalling the engine. If it is sticking, it can keep the throttle from returning to idle. If one or the other is bad, you typically have to replace the entire part as an assembly.
In addition, check the operation of the choke. Pump the gas once before starting on a cold engine, this should completely close the choke. Start the engine, and observe if the choke plate opens slowly as the engine heats up. With an electric choke, it should be open fully in about 5 minutes or so.
A problem with either or both of those parts on the carb could cause the problems you're describing.
Bart
Last edited by Bart99GT; Nov 24, 2004 at 08:14 AM.
Thanks for the reply. I will test the solenoid, it seems like I unplugged it before and it didn't move. Then when I rev'ed the engine a little it extended a bit more and keep the RPM's up, then returned to normal when I plugged it back up. Don't remember seeing a diaphram attached. I will try to look today (Thurs), I'm on night shift so it's hard to find alot of time. Greg
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.