Rough idle, no code, no idea
#1
Rough idle, no code, no idea
I got a 1997 ranger 2.3 with almost 150k miles. A bunch of new parts installed including alternator, radiator, front shocks, tires, etc. Came with ladder racks and some other goodies I couldn't pass up.
Seemed to be running fine when I checked it out, drove ok, needs rear shocks.
Finally got it registered and drove it around, seems to idle rough only when in drive. Don't notice it when driving, but a stop light you can feel and hear it, it's not terrible, but noticable. I had a vw a few years ago that all of a sudden idled terrible and loss power, etc, turned out to be a coil pack. But I also got a CEL on that. So I don't believe it's a coil pack on my ranger, as the idle isn't that rough and it doesn't seem to have that much of a loss in power.
Only thing that I know that is wrong with the truck are:
- ac does not work at all, blows HOT air.
- exhaust leak, at what seems go be at the connection between the cat and the pipe that goes to the muffler, the connection with the spring. Not sure if that would cause rough idle being after the cat and all.
I have NO code on the ranger. Things I've tried:
- cleaned throttle body (it was FILTHY, worst I've seen)
- cleaned IAC
- cleaned MAF sensor
- seafoam in the gas tank to clean (haven't driven much since I put it in the full tank)
- did a spray check for vacuum leaks, didn't find any
None of this showed any results. Any ideas on what I should try? I don't want to dump money into replacing part after part, blindly fixing a problem. Seeing as the truck cost very little.
Any help would be great. Thanks.
Seemed to be running fine when I checked it out, drove ok, needs rear shocks.
Finally got it registered and drove it around, seems to idle rough only when in drive. Don't notice it when driving, but a stop light you can feel and hear it, it's not terrible, but noticable. I had a vw a few years ago that all of a sudden idled terrible and loss power, etc, turned out to be a coil pack. But I also got a CEL on that. So I don't believe it's a coil pack on my ranger, as the idle isn't that rough and it doesn't seem to have that much of a loss in power.
Only thing that I know that is wrong with the truck are:
- ac does not work at all, blows HOT air.
- exhaust leak, at what seems go be at the connection between the cat and the pipe that goes to the muffler, the connection with the spring. Not sure if that would cause rough idle being after the cat and all.
I have NO code on the ranger. Things I've tried:
- cleaned throttle body (it was FILTHY, worst I've seen)
- cleaned IAC
- cleaned MAF sensor
- seafoam in the gas tank to clean (haven't driven much since I put it in the full tank)
- did a spray check for vacuum leaks, didn't find any
None of this showed any results. Any ideas on what I should try? I don't want to dump money into replacing part after part, blindly fixing a problem. Seeing as the truck cost very little.
Any help would be great. Thanks.
#4
Should I replace plugs as well, or just try wires for now and see if it fixes it, would it benefit me to replace the plugs while Im doing wires, or would it not matter?
Knew to all of this so bare with me if I seem ignorant. Tha k you
#5
there are only 2 brands of red spark plug wires MSD and MAGNECOR
it is a bonus if they are MSD wires , but magnecor are better than OEM motorcraft wires
you replace 1 spark plug wire at a time , ( the same time you replace that particular spark plug )
so you do NOT cross wire any cylinders
spark plug wires usually only last 2 years ,, 3 years tops if you push it
with a vehicle that old i would also recommend replacing the coil pack with a new 1
here is a more powerful ignition coil pack i will ordering myself
https://performancedistributors.com/...n-demon-coils/
it is a bonus if they are MSD wires , but magnecor are better than OEM motorcraft wires
you replace 1 spark plug wire at a time , ( the same time you replace that particular spark plug )
so you do NOT cross wire any cylinders
spark plug wires usually only last 2 years ,, 3 years tops if you push it
with a vehicle that old i would also recommend replacing the coil pack with a new 1
here is a more powerful ignition coil pack i will ordering myself
https://performancedistributors.com/...n-demon-coils/
Last edited by cheese_man; 06-12-2015 at 06:23 AM.
#6
Update: fixed the exhaust leak at the connection between the muffler and cat, the spring bolts were rusted and the gasket was messed up. Replaced gasket and bolts (what a pain in the a$$ that was). BUT I found another leak at connection from the header to the cat pipe. A bolt on the flange is totally rotted and not holding anything. Going to bring it to a shop tomorrow, should be a quick repair.
Would a leak before the cat have any effect on the idle and acceleration sputter?
Would a leak before the cat have any effect on the idle and acceleration sputter?
#7
#8
#9
Ok so it's back from the exhaust shop. Turns out there was a hole in the cat (of course the was, every exhaust leak I've ever had always turns into needing a new cat
) so $200 later, a new cat and a new bolt at the flange, it sounds great. It feels a little more powerful, and the idling seems to have improved a little. But there is still a little hesitation/sputter from a stop. Not AS noticable now that there is no leaks to make the exhaust loud, but I can still feel it.
Is that just how these old engines are? Is it because it's a 4banger?
Now that I'm out 2 big ones, it'll probably be next month that I try to replace the wires/coils.
Really just want to solve this.
) so $200 later, a new cat and a new bolt at the flange, it sounds great. It feels a little more powerful, and the idling seems to have improved a little. But there is still a little hesitation/sputter from a stop. Not AS noticable now that there is no leaks to make the exhaust loud, but I can still feel it.
Is that just how these old engines are? Is it because it's a 4banger?
Now that I'm out 2 big ones, it'll probably be next month that I try to replace the wires/coils.
Really just want to solve this.
#10
#12
Forgot to mention in OP that I did the seafoam already, only used up about 1/4 of the tank so far tho. So idk how long it takes to show any benefits of using it, but we'll see.
#13
overtime , spark plug wires deteriorate from the engine heat , wires that are 3 years and older
will flow almost half of the electricity the ignition coil generates as it once did from new spark plug wires
as wires age , the resistance increases
motorcraft spark plug wires are carbon core wires , and are the worst you can use
buy and install either spiro core or stainless steel core wires
granatelli being the best , MSD being the second best
magnecor being the 3rd best
#15
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