98 ranger 2.5
#1
03-10-2018
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Location: Orlando
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98 ranger 2.5
Hi, so I need some help here. I’m new these forums. But anyways, my ford ranger keeps backfiring. And I can’t drive it because the engine turns off after it’s been on for about 1 min. I already changed the spark plugs, idle air control valve (code i got). I change the 2 coils. I haven’t changed the wires yet. Didn’t think it would be the problem. What can it be?
#2
03-10-2018
Welcome to the forum
You have a 2.5l Lima engine, used in 1998 to 2001 Rangers
2.3l Lima was used in Rangers from 1983 to 1997, 2.5l is a stroked 2.3l, so exactly the same engine otherwise.
The Lima engines were first used in Ford Pintos in 1974 so Ford made these for 27 years, a good reliable engine.
As to your problem.
Start with the Firing order on BOTH coil packs, I know you have checked it, but have someone else check it or check it again but KNOW it is wrong and try to find the problem.
If firing order is OK, then when was the last time you got gasoline for the truck?
If you got some "bad" gas it will have water in it and that causes backfires and very poor running.
So if engine started to run poorly after you got gas the last time then you could have got some "bad" gas
Fuel pressure in 1998 Ranger should be 60psi, 1997 and older was 30psi, so you have a high pressure fuel system.
A dirty fuel filter can't pass fuel fast enough to keep engine running, you first notice fuel filter issues at higher speeds, lack of power at highway speeds, and engine can back fire from lean mix as fuel flow gets less and less.
Fuel filters should be changed every 5 years or so, not expensive or hard to do
Fuel pump can start to fail and pressure at the engine will drop, you need to put a fuel pressure gauge on the engine and then start it up, you can usually rent these from auto parts store.
55-65psi is what to expect
Lima engines use a Timing BELT, and this belt can stretch as it gets older and "skip" teeth on the Cam drive gear.
This lowers Compression in all cylinders so engine would barely start, back fire, and have very little power.
You need to test compression in at least 2 cylinder to see if that has happened, 2.5l should have 165psi pressure, if you are at 120psi then belt has "skipped"
You have a 2.5l Lima engine, used in 1998 to 2001 Rangers
2.3l Lima was used in Rangers from 1983 to 1997, 2.5l is a stroked 2.3l, so exactly the same engine otherwise.
The Lima engines were first used in Ford Pintos in 1974 so Ford made these for 27 years, a good reliable engine.
As to your problem.
Start with the Firing order on BOTH coil packs, I know you have checked it, but have someone else check it or check it again but KNOW it is wrong and try to find the problem.
If firing order is OK, then when was the last time you got gasoline for the truck?
If you got some "bad" gas it will have water in it and that causes backfires and very poor running.
So if engine started to run poorly after you got gas the last time then you could have got some "bad" gas
Fuel pressure in 1998 Ranger should be 60psi, 1997 and older was 30psi, so you have a high pressure fuel system.
A dirty fuel filter can't pass fuel fast enough to keep engine running, you first notice fuel filter issues at higher speeds, lack of power at highway speeds, and engine can back fire from lean mix as fuel flow gets less and less.
Fuel filters should be changed every 5 years or so, not expensive or hard to do
Fuel pump can start to fail and pressure at the engine will drop, you need to put a fuel pressure gauge on the engine and then start it up, you can usually rent these from auto parts store.
55-65psi is what to expect
Lima engines use a Timing BELT, and this belt can stretch as it gets older and "skip" teeth on the Cam drive gear.
This lowers Compression in all cylinders so engine would barely start, back fire, and have very little power.
You need to test compression in at least 2 cylinder to see if that has happened, 2.5l should have 165psi pressure, if you are at 120psi then belt has "skipped"
Last edited by RonD; 03-10-2018 at 11:54 AM.
#3
03-10-2018
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Orlando
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#4
03-10-2018
No, don't use premium, you want Regular WITH Ethanol added, the higher percentage the better
Gasoline "water remover" IS Ethanol, same for HEET or Octane Boost
Gasoline won't mix with water, and water is heavier than gasoline, so water sits at bottom of tank and gets sucked into pump as water
Methanol and ethanol WILL mix with water, so it bonds to the water, and keeps it from settling on the bottom of the tank and allows it to be burned in the engine, not alot of power but no backfiring either.
And it works as a gas line anti-freeze because water freezes at 32degF, when bonded to ethanol it freezes at -100degF
Gasoline "water remover" IS Ethanol, same for HEET or Octane Boost
Gasoline won't mix with water, and water is heavier than gasoline, so water sits at bottom of tank and gets sucked into pump as water
Methanol and ethanol WILL mix with water, so it bonds to the water, and keeps it from settling on the bottom of the tank and allows it to be burned in the engine, not alot of power but no backfiring either.
And it works as a gas line anti-freeze because water freezes at 32degF, when bonded to ethanol it freezes at -100degF
