Need some Ford help.
 

My 88 Ranger will 2.3L four cylinder runs great, but starting it is a problem. When cold starts right up and runs up to a fast idle and then slowly drops down and eventually stalls unless you keep your foot on the gas. Once up to temp doesn't stall.

Warm/hot starting is another issue and I am sure they are connected. It starts alittle hard after warm. It basically seems flooded and will sputter to life and then run just fine. I notice what appear to be alittle black smoke from the tailpipe when it does this.

I has new plugs/wires/cap/rotor/fuel and air filters. Figured we might have a ford mechanic here.

Allen

Is it fuel injected? Might be the idle air control valve. I had a 89 Crown Vic that had similar symtoms. It would start fine though, just had problems idling, especially when cold. Bought the idle air control valve and noticed alot of carbon when taking the old one off. For grins I cleaned up the the carbon and re-installed. It worked great and I never installed the new one. Still have it somewhere I'm sure.

I also have a Ranger. Have you tried:

www.therangerstation.com

I did clean the IAC. It may be that it still isn't good enough. I also read I should have lubed it before reinstalling.

Thanks. I will take it off again and try it. I may need to spray some wd40 on it.

I forgot to mention the high Idle speed of about 1300 when warm.

Allen

Sounds like the IAC, But those fords can be tricky.

Thanks to Cal, we will shortly be able to rule out the IAC. New one on its way.

I think I will plan on replacing the O2 sensor, but I loan the special socket out and its in KY now. So probably need to get another one.

Also going to check timing. Won't hurt to make sure it set right.

The good thing is the truck is all stock and has not been hacked by someone over the years.

Allen

Wanna borrow my O2 sensor tool?

I will have my friend mail mine back to me. He borrowed it and it moved to KY with him.

I checked the tires and they were all about 20-25psi so aired them up to 40psi where I like to run them. The tires are rated for 44 max.

That should help the mileage alittle bit. (Barack said so)

Neighbor kid (He's 20) was over and pointed to the IAC also. His 88 ranger was doing the same thing.

Will keep ya posted.

Allen

Dropped off the IAC at the post office this morning. Should have by the weekend. Looked up the fuel mileage on this site and acctually you are not far off on the mileage.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/Feg/bymake/bymanuNF.shtml

I think with the tires inflated now I may pick up a couple mpg. My driving is suburban. Not really highway or stop and go. Usually cruising about 45-50mph.

With those numbers I am expecting about 23 or so. I can live with that. Might try so synthetic in the trans and rear end to see if that will help too.

Allen

My 4X4, driven very gently, with an A4LD automatic gets about 16 in suburban traffic. It's in perfect tune. Pretty lousy but it is what it is. I drive it mostly only in bad weather anyway. That's why we have bikes!

Well this is a 4cyl 2wd 5spd with street tires. I think I was losing out with the tires low on air. Expecting at least 2 mpg increase with air in the tires.

I believe my 86 4x4 got about 20 on the hwy. Of course MN winters had lightened the load quite a bit too.

Allen

Sorry to jump in with no assistance of any kind...

This guy is on the electric motorcycle forum I found, he put together a little video about the mileage on his toyota...

http://truths.treehugger.com/interna...ge_its_eas.php

Granted, it is probably harder to double your mileage or achieve the results he did if your car isn't running like crap to start with.

That a good video. Alot of people could benefit from it. I have already done a few things there. Not sure I'm ready to ditch the bumper though. I may try to smooth up some aerodynamics.

I also don't believe the global warming nonsense either, but I don't see any reason we can't try to conserve more.

That truck going from 5mpg to 36mpg is pretty amazing though. Notice he got rid of the big mud tires and brought it down some.

Yeah, it was pretty bad to start with, I think I get better mileage in the Peterbilt I drive :lol:

Yeah I don't think I'd ditch the bumpers, that would likely get you a ticket, I guess dependant on local laws.