Bucks and Sputters

Did this problem occur shortly after the last time you put gas in the tank? Is there a check engine light?

Were the fuel filters replaced?
Have you checked the fuel pressure regulator?

The fuel filter was checked this time and replaced 3,000 miles ago. The fuel pressure regulator has not been checked. Is there a way to check it without technical equipment? I am doing this with my Grandfather; we have tools but he is old and so is his education with cars.

You need a pressure gauge to test the fuel pressure and most parts store loan them out.

One way of doing it is to clamp the return hose to prevent fuel from returning.

There is a shrader valve that looks exactly like a tire valve by the injectors & fuel lines where there is fuel pressure. A fuel pressure gauge just screws on, and then you can turn on the engine to see what the pressure is. DO NOT clamp any hoses. Try revving the engine and see if the pressure drops, if not see if you can position the gauge so you can close the hood and drive the truck. Do you know how to locate the pressure regulator? What engine does the truck have?

This has started since the last time gas was pumped, but the truck has been sitting for a number of months now. The check engine light does not operate. Testing the pressure with a gauge is only going to tell me that it idles at 7-10 psi, since I can't drive the truck I feel I am not going to learn much more. The vacuum to the FPR feels as though it has proper suction. The engine is 6 cylinder 2.9 L.

You really need to get a scanner because there could be a variety of things preventing you from driving it. You need to see whats going on with the throttle position sensor, mass airflow sensor, etc. There may not even be a problem with the fuel delivery. If you do not have access to a scanner you can also see what codes are stored by following these steps:

http://www.extreme-check-engine-light-codes.com/Ford%20OBD1%20Decoder.htm

Let me know what you find.

Just a thought a thought did you replace both inline filters? The ranger has two see pics. The cartridge filter is in the fuel switch valve near the rear tire on the inside of the frame on the drivers side.

Also no need to scan the truck unless the engine light is on. This is an OBD1 system and only stores codes if the light is on it does not store pending codes like the OBD2 system. If the light is on I can tell you how to get the code with just a paper clip and test light. Again Marlin I am just trying to help with other ideas.