engine is surging sometimes

1996 FORD RANGER
200,000 MILES
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LPULSE1
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  • 1 POST
my 96 ford ranger seems to not have power at low rpms yet at about 3000 rpms takes off like fast, does this in all gears what could it be? It does this in every gear, also when driving on hwy seem I can feel surging but doesn't seem to effect speed got any ideas whats wrong?
Dec 30, 2011 at 8:53 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Without doing other tests, it sounds typical of a plugged pickup screen inside the gas tank. Fuel pressure will drop low enough to cause running problems when the largest volume of fuel is pumped, . . . which is at lower speeds and especially when coasting. At higher speeds, fuel pump volume goes down so it's easier to get enough fuel through the screen to keep the pressure up.

To test my theory, disconnect the vacuum hose from the fuel pressure regulator and plug it, then drive it like that at lower speeds. You might see black smoke from the tail pipe, but if the running problem doesn't show up, suspect a fuel volume problem.
Dec 30, 2011 at 9:01 PM
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