Hey all,

New to the forum here. I just purchased a 1993 Ranger 2.3L SB - 5speed. I bought it from an old man down the road who left it sitting for the last 4 years. Threw a battery in it and fired right up. Now trying to diagnose an issue with the throttle/fuel/power. When I cold start, it takes 3 tries every time to start up and once it's running and idling it sounds great. When I slap it into first gear and hit the gas, it hesitates.. then goes -- SLOWLY. It also seems very very sluggish even in second and third. Sometimes it gets a jolt but most of the time its accelerating at the same slow pace no matter how much i press the accelerator. I've noticed that slowly pressing the accelerator helps but pushing at a normal speed from stop it hesitates... So now for what I've tried:

-changed oil
-new air filter
-new fuel filter
-Lucas fuel injector cleaner (hasn't run a full tank with this yet)
-cleaned MAF
-Topped off with new premium gas (still had about half tank of old gas)
- I also noticed it overflowing at the gas pump from underneath, and the gas gauge apparently doesn't work. I'm guessing the float is gunked up at the bottom.

My next fix was going to be to take the bed off and replace the filler neck (which it needs anyway) and replace the fuel pump assembly??

WILL A NEW FUEL PUMP HELP? WHAT'S GOING ON?

 

My 96 acts the same way. Has a unique stumble and chug at 2500 rpm and grabs power at around 3000. It;s 2.3 / manual w 190,000. Like a true shade tree mechanic I've been replacing parts like crazy but I just cant stand the idea of a dealer $$$$ visit. Maybe someone can help us. Also: No codes, no check engine lights.

 

Check your ICM, take it autozone and have it tested, its got wires on top and bottom and its mounted on your intake, I would also recommend checking all 8 plugs for wear and gap, inspect your spark wires for any damage as well.
P.S. get a fuel pressure gauge they are cheap and helpful for diagnosing issues, multi-meter too for that matter. 2.3l should be around 35~ psi at the rail.