Ford-Rangers.com Ranger Forum HomeFord-Rangers.com Ranger Forum Home
Home Recent Topics New posts Search search Menu menu Not logged in - Login | Register
Ford-Rangers.com Ranger Forum > Ranger Engine Tech > 6 Cylinder Gasoline > Runs rich at idle

Ford-rangers.com is a discussion forum, a Ranger forum for people who have questions about fixing or modifying
their Ford Rangers or people who just admire their Ranger. Please join and enjoy sharing experiences!

Runs rich at idle       #: 2410
 Moderated by: Mike69, MaDMaXX,
New Topic Reply
 Rate Topic 
 Posted: Fri Jun 25th, 2021 05:26 pm
PM Quote Reply
1st Post
Mike Handleson
Ranger Mike82069


Joined: Thu Jun 24th, 2021
Location: Grants Pass, Oregon USA
Posts: 5
Name: Michael P Handleson ...
Occupation: self employed ...
Interests: mechanic ...
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 5
Member's Gallery
 My 1987 Ford Ranger XLT RWD 2.9 L V6 runs fine going down the road but idles rough and rich. The mechanic suggested I replace the ECM at $600.00 to $700.00. Someone said to check the sparkplug gap. What should I do? I can't afford to spend that kind of money on a truck I only paid $800.00 for. I like the truck, it has two gas tanks and gets fairly decent fuel mileage. It just blows black smoke at idle and smells really rich. What can I do? Please help me help the truck to stay out of the salvage yard.



____________________
Michael Handleson
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Fri Jun 25th, 2021 06:28 pm
PM Quote Reply
2nd Post
Tsquare
Member


Joined: Fri Nov 10th, 2017
Location: Suwanee, Georgia USA
Posts: 1540
Name: 
Occupation: Controlled Insanity ...
Interests: 
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 1540
Member's Gallery
 Welcome to Ford-Rangers.com


The stock spark plug is a AWSF-42C that is gapped at .044".  I would skip the OEM plugs and get new Iridium plugs from RockAuto and plug wires if yours are worn to replace them.  If the distributor cap looks worn or discolored I would also replace it as well. Go with a full tune up to make sure you have good consumable parts on your engine. Take some pictures of your old plugs and post them so we can see their condition. Ideally they will look like they have a gray white ash on them.

Just as a FYI, a remanufactured ECM from RockAuto runs about $100. The first gen Ranger is one of the easier platforms to work 0n. Here is a 5% discount code for RockAuto:  176497081139004586



____________________
Tony
NE ATL
'04 XLT regular cab 3.slo stepside
Semi retirement
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Mon Jun 28th, 2021 03:25 pm
PM Quote Reply
3rd Post
Mike Handleson
Ranger Mike82069


Joined: Thu Jun 24th, 2021
Location: Grants Pass, Oregon USA
Posts: 5
Name: Michael P Handleson ...
Occupation: self employed ...
Interests: mechanic ...
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 5
Member's Gallery
 Thanks for the information. Do you know where I could find an auotmatic transmition with overdrive for the same truck. when I shift into overdrive it goes into neutral and the engine drops to an idle. I asked a transmition shop and they said it would be about $1800-$2000. to rebuild the one that is in there. Or $600 to R&R a used transmition, If I can find one. Funny thing is I think I still owe money on the thing. I haven't heard from the person I bought it from. He knows what's going on with the truck and how much I have already put into it with the TPS and the HS sensors. Now it needs the transmition rebuilt or replaced. I'm not sure I want to put that kind of money into a ford. (as you can tell, I am not a ford guy)



____________________
Michael Handleson
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Mon Jun 28th, 2021 03:45 pm
PM Quote Reply
4th Post
Tsquare
Member


Joined: Fri Nov 10th, 2017
Location: Suwanee, Georgia USA
Posts: 1540
Name: 
Occupation: Controlled Insanity ...
Interests: 
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 1540
Member's Gallery
 A used transmission is a crap shoot at best. The $600 for a R&R is about what they charge here in GA. Does the truck go into reverse? The reverse is usually the key to a tranny rebuild.



____________________
Tony
NE ATL
'04 XLT regular cab 3.slo stepside
Semi retirement
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Mon Jun 28th, 2021 11:08 pm
PM Quote Reply
5th Post
VelociRanger
I’ll probably do it tomorrow


Joined: Mon Jun 25th, 2018
Location: Dallas, Texas USA
Posts: 721
Name: Justin ...
Occupation: 
Interests: 
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 721
Member's Gallery
 If I remember the 87 was still a carbureted engine, you might just need to tune up the carb on it. I own an 83 and 84, neither have the 2.9 so I'm unfamiliar with your truck. Honestly just try what TSquare said with the tune up and it might be good to go, save yourself tons of money if you know how to do it yourself.



____________________
knowing when to quit is wisdom, being able to quit is courage.

1983 Ranger, reluctantly taking apart. Donor/project vehicle.

1997 Ranger Ex Cab Manual 4.0 2wd, dead on arrival. Hopefully reviving for a daily driver.

1984 Ranger, currently in ≈861 pieces. She’s donating what’s salvageable.
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Fri Jul 2nd, 2021 09:33 pm
PM Quote Reply
6th Post
Mike Handleson
Ranger Mike82069


Joined: Thu Jun 24th, 2021
Location: Grants Pass, Oregon USA
Posts: 5
Name: Michael P Handleson ...
Occupation: self employed ...
Interests: mechanic ...
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 5
Member's Gallery
 As soon as I get my tools I will replace the sparkplugs and share what the old ones look like.



____________________
Michael Handleson
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: Fri Jul 2nd, 2021 09:37 pm
PM Quote Reply
7th Post
Mike Handleson
Ranger Mike82069


Joined: Thu Jun 24th, 2021
Location: Grants Pass, Oregon USA
Posts: 5
Name: Michael P Handleson ...
Occupation: self employed ...
Interests: mechanic ...
Status: 
Offline
Reputation: 
Reputation Points: 5
Member's Gallery
 My 2.9L V6 is electronic fuel injected. No carburetor on this truck. I will try and give it a tune up and see what that does.



____________________
Michael Handleson
Back To Top PM Quote Reply

Current time is 04:07 pm Top  

Ford-Rangers.com Ranger Forum > Ranger Engine Tech > 6 Cylinder Gasoline > Runs rich at idle

Users viewing this topic



PHP Version: 8.2.28
Server version: 10.6.22-MariaDB
UltraBB 2.01.01 Copyright © 2008-2025 Jim & Chris
Page processed in 0.0595 seconds (44% database + 56% PHP). 53 queries executed.