rpms don't seem to matter. speed don't seem to matter, but the gas peddle becomes unresponsive and it back fires. it looks like the muffler is trying to explode from the inside, and it blows flame out the tail pipe. sometimes i can rev out of it after a few minutes. sometimes if i let it die i can give it a few and it will start. i think it has something to do with air or gas but i don't know where to even look. any ideas?

 

what engine? EFI 2.3 or carb 2.0?

 

Running rich

Timing off

Whens the last time you did a tune up?

 

it is a 2.9 4x4 1987 xlt ranger

 

blhde nailed it... retime the engine, replace coil, dizzy cap, rotor button, plugs and wires, seafoam the engine...

 

engine timing good and tune up good. o2 sensor wires are cut and twisted together. could that make that much difference.

 

Depends on if its the up-streams or down-streams.

Should have a CEL on for that, have you read the codes?