1995 2.3 ranger high HC with cat leak
 

My Ranger has a hard time passing emissions because it has high HC. I recently found that there is a leak in the catalytic converter. Could this cause the O2 sensors to inject too much fuel? If so, and I fix it, would a 2.3 liter truck pull a 14 foot tri hull boat with an 80hp outboard engine? Just wondering if I should fix it or replace with a better truck that can tow more weight. The main thing I need is the towing capacity and my truck is gutless. Not sure what a 2.3 in good condition can handle... advice is appreciated.

Towing is by weight
So 14ft boat with engine and trailer weigh........................???

1995 Ranger 2.3l 2WD and AUTOMATIC transmission is rated at 2.300lbs
Manual transmission is 1,600lbs

Manual transmissions are weaker, so always have a lower towing weight capacity, nothing to do with driving skills, lol


No on the air leak in the Cat for richer running
An exhaust leak between engine and upstream O2 sensor(before Cat) will cause richer running

Partially clogged exhaust will make for a "gutless" engine, use vacuum gauge to test for that
Leaking Cat converter may mean trouble inside it

O2 sensor is the ONLY sensor that wears out, 100k miles or 12 years, which ever comes first, they run out of chemicals, same as batteries do after 5 to 7 year
A worn out O2 sensor WILL cause false lean, so richer running with NO CODES


Often when an engine gets older it will suck in more oil which causes higher HC levels
Replace PCV Valve and make sure hoses are clean, that reduces oil burning
PCV valve should be changed every 3 or 4 oil changes