Problem with Ranger
#1
Problem with Ranger
I have a 2003 Ford Ranger 4.0 just installed this motor came out of a two-wheel drive Ranger 2001 I am getting misfire on Startup and misfire on cylinder 1 new spark plugs and spark plug wires and I have changed out the coil twice what else should I look for it this is my first Ranger not really familiar with them
#2
Not really a Ford or Ranger thing just general engine stuff
A cylinder needs 3 things to fire
Spark, at the right time
Fuel, in the right mix with air, in the old days with carbs this was less of an issue in single cylinder nmisfires, fuel injectors are cylinder specific
Compression, above 100psi when cold
Spark is what most people test for first because it is easiest, lol.
Not really the timing of it but is there spark
Compression is either good or it isn't, it won't be intermittent so best to test it and take it off the table as the problem or find out it IS the problem so you don't waste time on spark and fuel.
4.0l SOHC engine should be above 170psi compression
Do at least 2 cylinders for comparison.
There are shops that can test compression using a laptop hooked up to the engine computer, very fast and it does work well.
Very short video here on that test, takes all of 10 seconds after computer is hooked up: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDX83bWu3Vg
Fuel is harder to test but not that hard.
Pull out #1 spark plug, look at it's tip
Google: spark plug diagnosis chart
Spark plug tip can tell you alot about what might be happening in a cylinder
Clean off the tip, and pull out another spark plug, easiest one to get at.
Look at its tip as well
And clean it off
Now reinstall both spark plugs but don't put on the wires
On the coil pack, unplug the 4 wire connector, so there is no spark
Now crank engine over a few times
Obviously it won't start, lol
Now pull out both spark plugs again
Look at the tips for fuel, gasoline, both should be equally wet with fuel
If #1 is dry or drier then #1 fuel injector is probably to blame, check wires, could simply be dirty or loose connector
You need to do 2 spark plugs for comparison value
A cylinder needs 3 things to fire
Spark, at the right time
Fuel, in the right mix with air, in the old days with carbs this was less of an issue in single cylinder nmisfires, fuel injectors are cylinder specific
Compression, above 100psi when cold
Spark is what most people test for first because it is easiest, lol.
Not really the timing of it but is there spark
Compression is either good or it isn't, it won't be intermittent so best to test it and take it off the table as the problem or find out it IS the problem so you don't waste time on spark and fuel.
4.0l SOHC engine should be above 170psi compression
Do at least 2 cylinders for comparison.
There are shops that can test compression using a laptop hooked up to the engine computer, very fast and it does work well.
Very short video here on that test, takes all of 10 seconds after computer is hooked up: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDX83bWu3Vg
Fuel is harder to test but not that hard.
Pull out #1 spark plug, look at it's tip
Google: spark plug diagnosis chart
Spark plug tip can tell you alot about what might be happening in a cylinder
Clean off the tip, and pull out another spark plug, easiest one to get at.
Look at its tip as well
And clean it off
Now reinstall both spark plugs but don't put on the wires
On the coil pack, unplug the 4 wire connector, so there is no spark
Now crank engine over a few times
Obviously it won't start, lol
Now pull out both spark plugs again
Look at the tips for fuel, gasoline, both should be equally wet with fuel
If #1 is dry or drier then #1 fuel injector is probably to blame, check wires, could simply be dirty or loose connector
You need to do 2 spark plugs for comparison value
Last edited by RonD; 01-25-2017 at 10:55 AM.
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