Hi folks. Got an issue with a 04 xlt 2.3l. Has a misfire was on #4 cyl now on #3. . replaced wires.coilpack & plugs. After reseaching iwas leaning towards a Imrc valve issue, but my truck doesnt have one come to find out. Im thinking dirty injector. Runs fine at over 2500 rpm. Tried seafoam. Straight to the fuel rail @50-60psi. .motor has good compression.im kinda tumped. Any suggestions .thanks. Pete

 

Are you getting a misfire code or just the symptom?

 

Also, did your manifold get the IMRC delete Mod done? is this why your claiming it does not have the IMRC

If you are right about the injectors, a Simple fuel pressure test will at least let you know if they are bleeding down over time and help to confirm dirty injectors.

 

I did have a code .i had it scanned. Locally i didnt think to write down the code #tho

 

According to what ive read. The truck has the Maf. Built into the airbox lid. Im second owner & i know the 1st owners only let the factory wrench on this pita truck. Ill try the leakdown test.thanks

 

2004 Ranger 2.3l shouldn't have IMRC, I think 2001/2 and 3 had it but it was deleted in 2004 and up

Do Clear Flooded Engine Test
Engine warmed up, and turned off
Turn key on
Press gas pedal down to the floor and hold it down
Turn key to START
Engine should turn over but NOT start, fuel injectors should be off because gas pedal is at WOT(wire open throttle)

If engine fires or fires and starts then yes you have fuel leaking into the intake, usually from leaking injectors

If engine does not fire/start then you don't

Exact code is extremely helpful, there are literally hundreds of codes, 10 or 15 for each device or problem, so the codes the computer doesn't use are also helpful

A cylinder fires if it has these 3 things
1. spark, at the right time
2. fuel, in the right mix with air
3. compression

Compression is black and white, you either have it or you don't, no such thing as intermittent compression, lol, well unless you have a 2004-2006 3.0l Ranger

While it is harder to test compression once it is done you either know it is the problem or you know it is not the problem.
If it is the problem then you will be wasting time and money on non-fixes
If its not the problem then you can move on to Spark and fuel

Clear flooded engine test can also be used for fuel tests
Cold engine
Disable spark, unplug coil pack
Crank engine over
Pull out #1 and #4 spark plugs both should be WET with fuel, if #4 is not then you have a bad injector

Clean off #1 and #4 spark plugs put them back in
Press gas pedal to the floor and crank engine
Pull out #1 and #4 plugs, both should be DRY
If #4 is WET then leaking injector, which should have shown up on first test with warmed up engine

 

appreciate the info i will try a leak down test 1st , cant find my gauge tho murphys law. Thank you both. Im almost ready to pop a 12 ga slug in the block & v8 it.

 

Hey guys . got some time today to try the tests . Rond she acts normal wont start @wot. (Warmedup) still cant locate my pressure gauge. . but cleared the codes. Drove about 15 mi & got a check light on . had a scan run & here is what the codes say. 1) p0303. 2)p0316. & 3) b1884. Aprecciate it guys thanks Pete

 

b1884 means passenger side airbag disabled light bulb is burn out, not related to engine issue of course
If you can solder replace it with this:
https://www.radioshack.com/products/...iniature-lamps
Or similar

p0303-misfire #3
p0316-random misfire

You should do a compression test first
Cold engine
Remove ALL spark plugs first, then test each cylinder, writing down the results
Add teaspoon of oil to each cylinder then repeat the test.
Each cylinder will get higher results with oil added but the point is how much of an increase in a low pressure cylinder.

Reason for compression test is to not waste time and money on spark or fuel issues if compression is the problem
Compression is black and white, no maybes about it