1998 Ford Ranger Rough running vehicle

1998 FORD RANGER
42,056 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BRETT.TAWNEY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Im a Mechanic at the Base here in Fallon, NV and we have this Government vehicle that runs poorly, when cold it wont idle. i have to hold the throttle until it warms up and then runs decent but poorly. it will drive but again poorly. i have a check engine with these codes: P1131, P1151, P1780, P1137, P0171, & P0174. my mecahnical knowledge tells me a dirty MAF or an Intake Manifold Gasket leak. but out here i can't do the old either method of finding the exact spot of the leak. can you tell me if im right on the IMG leak and what to use to find it or just tear it apart and replace the gasket. thanks!
Oct 13, 2009 at 12:34 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Many mechanics will use starting fluid to check for a vacuum leak. What they do is spray the area of concern. If there is a leak, the RPM's will go up.

NOTE: Starting fluid is extremely flamable. If you hit a spot on the engine that is hot enough (ie. exhaust manifold), it can catch fire.
Oct 28, 2009 at 7:20 AM
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