Ok guys, so as most of you know the truck is running like pure a$$ lately.. Computer is throwing no codes, and there is no misfire..

So, im thinking the cats are clogged, or a vaccum leak maybe?

Maybe even a bad plug from when the engine was misfiring. So what should i look for? How do i check for a vaccum leak? and is there a way to check the cats without cutting them off?

thanks guys!

 

In your other thread you said it was throwing lean codes. Have you replaced those upper intake gaskets yet?

 

No, i said it wasnt throwing any codes, but was either running to lean or too rich.. Which im going towards too rich since it always smells like gas....

Could a faulty spark plug cause it to start up rough, (starts idling rough, then the pitch of the idle goes up,down,up,down then smooths out), and cause the exhaust to smell like gas?

 

Gas will kill a cat.

 

My .357 will kill a cat to. LOL

 

Sounds to me a vac. leak

 

hmmm.. well im gunna check all the hoses/and try to figure out a way to check the cats today.. Ill let you know what happens

 

You have checked the hose right up near the radiator hose that goes up aoround the oil spout right? My own has a nasty split down it and I ordered up some Silicone performance hose to fix it - idles like crap - keeps it up round 2500 rpms when comign to a stop.. sucks bad, not to mention my mileage is way down 0.)


Perhaps run a check around that area - PCV Valve Elbow is what its called by the way.. real common sore spot on the ranger.

 

well took the truck to the Ford Dealership and had a full diagnostic of the computer done.. he checked EVERYTHIng.. the only thing that came up out of the norm was the spark range for ALL The cylinders, which he said is because of the gas on-base.. So, he told me to change my plugs, i filled up off-base with better gas, and we shall see how she runs after a few days..

Still baffles my mind that the computer showed everything is good.. There was one spark plug that was pretty nasty, cleaned it up a bit, and swapped it with another plug from another cylinder and seems to run better.. Temporary fix until i can get new plugs.