so i got an 86 ranger efi 4x4 2.9 real bad bogging down problem like its runnin out of gas on a full tank. i checkd spark, compression, injectors, oil, coolant, all good but cant find a fuel filter, not on the rail or in engine bay. does anyone know what it could be or how the fuel system works? thanks

 

here you go

https://www.google.ca/search?client=...FqSC8QeR76-oBQ

 

found it, its a sock inside the fuel tank not on the frame rail under the cab like those instructions said. most other 86 rangers seam to be carbureted but mines efi must be the year they did both

 

i recommend that install a frame rail fuel filter far easier to replace

any forklift repair company can supply you with the proper high pressure fittings

 

All cars have a sock on the in tank fuel pickup/pump, that's a filter but not "the fuel filter".

Your 1986 EFI will have 2 fuel pumps, the low pressure pump in the fuel tank, and the high pressure pump(needed for EFI) in the frame rail under drivers seat area.

Fuel filter will also be in that area, it may be canister type where plastic cap unscrews and filter is a cartridge/insert that you need to change.

Pictures of it here, in last post: fuel filter location - The Ranger Station Forums

Also here: 1983 Ford Bronco '84-89 Fuel Reservoirs pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net

Now just to make things more confusing, you may have a fuel reservoir that looks similar but isn't a filter, it is there to hold extra fuel for the high pressure pump so it stays primed when pumps are off.

And then there would be an in line fuel filter between high pressure pump and engine, could be up by firewall but in the frame rail.

 

i do remember multiple units on the rail not hooked up. but replacing the in tank sock fixed the problem completely

 

Yes it would if it was clogged up.

But you still need an inline fuel filter for fuel injection, should be one "hooked up" in the frame rail, if not you will need to add one, sooner than later.
With the sock now clean smaller debris will be free to pass thru and to the injectors, if they get clogged then you will have to pull the fuel rail and rebuild or replace them.

 

^ x2

the newer style of gas station fuel pumps DO NOT have built in fuel filters anymore

the fuel filtering is your vehicles responsibility now not the gas stations

 

thanks for the info