Hello everyone. This is my first post. I just bought my 2004 Ranger 2.3L XLT Reg Cab 2WD. I had the truck for a couple days and it refused to start. Turned over just fine. Towed it to the dealership and they said the Spark Plugs were not OEM, they also changed the oil due to Gas in the Oil. I told the Service manger that having a fuel Injected engine flood is darn rare and bad plugs wouldnt dump that much fuel in the oil. he said he had scene it before. So I took the truck back home. Drove it a few more times, then the engine started acting the same way. Running rich and I could barely get it to run. I pulled the plugs and they are all black. I probably put 30 miles on the new plugs.

So is the issue as simple as a stuck injector (or two).?

I appreciate any and all advice.

Patrick

 

First thing to do would be to check for any computer codes, but not all driveability issues will always set a code. Personally, I had a Dodge Dakota with the exact same symptoms...and for some reason I didn't ever get a service code, but the problem was a bad o2 sensor. Would run normal for a few miles and then it would run so rich the plugs would foul and start misfiring. Did a complete tune up, but it was just a bad sensor.

 

^^^ i agree completely do you have a CEL?

 

Thats what I was thinking as well, Thanks for the help:)

 

What is a CEL?

 

check engine light

 

Ha Ha

Nope

 

With Key On Engine Off, pull the vacuum hose off the fuel pressure regulator and look for any signs of fuel . Have seen regulators with hole in diaphram whereby vacuum hose is drawing unmetered fuel into intake. symptoms were fuel in oil and sooting plugs.