1991 Ford Ranger engine runs poorly

1991 FORD RANGER

140,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL

JAGSTANG1246

MEMBER
3 POSTS
FOLLOW

I have recently bought a 1991 ford ranger, with a 2.4 L engine, when I bought it the engine ran kinda sluggish, but I figured that is because it sat a long time, it drives alright and I replaced the spark plugs and spark plug wires about a month afterwards, me and my friend took the battery out to try to start another car, we put it back on and I tried to start it, and the battery sparked, and everything electrical turned off, so my friend cleaned up the connectors and tightened them down, and it started right up, but since then the engine has been running really sluggish, and acts like it doesn't want to go, if I push on the gas a little bit, its seems I kinda go, but the harder I push on the gas pedal, it runs really crappy, and will barely accelerate, if at all. I had some some people hook up a computer to it, and it said nothing was wrong, so the guy said that it was most likely the fuel system, I have replaced the fuel filter, and put fuel injector cleaner in it, and it ran a little better, but the engine still has no go. I've noticed that it doesn't not have a catalytic converter on the exhaust, and i have had a glass pack put on, I've heard that it might be running crappy cause it doesn't have enough back pressure on the exhaust, but I don't think that it would cause it run so sluggish, please help!

May 31, 2008 at 4:13 AM

MERLIN2021

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
17,250 POSTS

Have you done a compression test? And when the battery sparked, was it because you guys hooked up the positive cable last? Always hook up the NEGATIVE last, and remove NEG first...check the neg cable at both ends! Is the check engine light on?

May 31, 2008 at 4:26 AM

JAGSTANG1246

MEMBER
3 POSTS

i have not done a compression test, i dont have any money right now, but if it is a compression problem, how would i fix it, and the check engine light does come on sometimes while i drive, but i heard that it comes on because it doesnt have a catalytic converter on it, ive been driving it around lately, and it seems to drive better, but im still have power loss.

Jun 1, 2008 at 2:13 AM

MERLIN2021

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
17,250 POSTS

Try reading the codes yourself, like this:

Or do this and count the flashes...Count the flashes, a 22 will flash as 2 flashes then a short pause, then 2 flashes, if more than one code is stored, the pause will be longer. The codes will display three times and end with 11 or 111. Write them down and post here. First do this with the ke on engine off, then again with it running. Post your results here.

Jun 1, 2008 at 6:31 AM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.