Hi guys I’m new here, I’ve got an 01 Ranger 4.0, its got a weird issue…first off when I start it it smokes like crazy, it’s not oil, not rich fuel condition, it’s almost like plastic or rubber smell coming out of the tail pipe, pretty thick smoke…when I first take off it’ll run really good pull good rpms after about 1/16 of a mile it loses all power, if I sit for just a minute with the engine running it’ll take off again…almost like a low fuel psi issue, I’m changing the fuel filter to see if that helps, it’s been sitting of about 3 years, I’ve finally got time to work on it, it wasn’t running right when it was parked. Any other ideas I might look at, I’ve done cylinder contribution tests, cleaned the MAF, I think I have good vacuum, anyway any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks

 

How many miles on this 2001? Any info or condition description other than, "it's been sitting about 3 years"?
New fuel filter = a good idea.
If it's not the source of your problems, you're not out much time/effort/money.

What were the compression numbers? Did you do the compression test?
Take a vacuum reading with a gauge.

Remember, the PCV system is a bit fragile on these.
There's an L-shaped, hard plastic hose from the PCV valve itself to the intake.
It can easily crack with age, resulting in a large vacuum leak.

Just for giggles, check the transmission fluid level and condition (visually). I assume it's an automatic.

FYI: There's a simple, inexpensive part called the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor).
If it's worn or loosely mounted, the resulting bad signals mess with engine and transmission operation.

 

Cool thanks!! Yeah I have a snap on solus scanner, I did all the vacuum tests on it but not sure how accurate that really is, changed the filter, I look a lot closer at all those lines, with the scanner I tested the TPS it shows a gradual increase in voltage as I press it…maybe there is something I’m missing there, it does idle pretty high too…around 1100-1500 Rpms, I unplugged the IAC and it didn’t change anything, I did it when the pickup was warm though, I’ll check the trans oil and make sure it’s good as well the compression was 150 PSI so I think that’s fairly good…anyway I did almost every test the scanner had, some of the generic ones that give you TID and CID failed, one is an injector, the other wasn’t related to my problem, they are generic codes I’ve had to google to try and find…they look like this-$20 $80 for example

 

Oh I forgot too…the pickup has 207,000 miles on it

 

Cool thanks!! You're welcome.

I have a snap on solus scanner. I'm not familiar with that one but I'm sure it's OK.

I did all the vacuum tests on it but not sure how accurate that really is.
What people should do is check their vehicle when it's in fine shape and use that base number for comparison. The actual number might not matter that much.

I look a lot closer at all those lines. What lines?

I tested the TPS it shows a gradual increase in voltage as I press it…maybe there is something I’m missing there. It can be mounted loosely, effecting the voltage output.

it does idle pretty high too…around 1100-1500 Rpms. Does the throttle plate close?

I unplugged the IAC and it didn’t change anything, I did it when the pickup was warm though. I've read that unplugging the IAC should cause the engine to stumble or even die.

I’ll check the trans oil and make sure it’s good. Just another "crossed T and dotted I".

as well the compression was 150 PSI so I think that’s fairly good. You need to check all 6 cylinders and compare the numbers.

I did almost every test the scanner had, some of the generic ones that give you TID and CID failed. What is TID and CID?

one is an injector. I've no experience with injectors.

the other wasn’t related to my problem, they are generic codes I’ve had to google to try and find…

they look like this-$20 $80 for example. Injectors?

 

I may just replace the TPS so I can rule that out for sure…I was talking about all the vacuum lines I think I better go through them with a fine tooth comb…a smoke machine would be really good I think but damn those are expensive 🤣🤣 what about the cat converter…with that kind of mileage it may be bad? This has been a frustrating journey man!! I’m usually a diesel guy so I’m not as good with these gasers, you got my thinking in a few different directions I’m gonna try and let you know what I find, thanks again for the replys

 

The vacuum lines on my truck (same engine as yours) are covered with "ridged loom" (plastic ridged cover) and are thus hidden.
Yours could be broken (split) at the barb fittings (nipples) and you can't see it.