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Current Events => The DUmpster => Topic started by: franksolich on September 04, 2009, 04:29:07 AM

Title: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: franksolich on September 04, 2009, 04:29:07 AM
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=310x1120

Oh my.

Alas, the poor terriyaki primitive.

No primitive's been to this bonfire, to answer his question.

Perhaps someone here can.

Quote
tekisui  (1000+ posts)        Thu Sep-03-09 02:39 PM
Original message
 
Sputtering(Bad!) and backfiring.(Please help) 

I have a 1990 Ford Ranger. It started acting up a couple of weeks ago. The tachometer quit working and it would sputter and jump down the road. I replace the ignition module. I changed the fuel filter. It is worse than ever, now. If I press the gas slowly, I can get the RPMs up to 4000. But, if I press the gs pedal quickly, it loses all power and almost dies. I can drive it in first gear only, at about 15-20mph. Anything else kills it.

Do you think it is a fuel problem or a timing problem?

And, how much is reasonable to replace the timing belt?
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: mamacags on September 04, 2009, 06:03:17 AM
Shoot it, get a new truck, the end.
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: Chump on September 04, 2009, 07:55:20 AM
Yeah I don't recall the Ranger being a model known for lasting 20 years.

Kill it.  Kill it with fire.
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: Doc Savage on September 04, 2009, 07:57:13 AM
Bad chip somewhere.
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: Lord Undies on September 04, 2009, 07:58:10 AM
 http://autos.aol.com/article/rachel-veitch-old-car

A video of importance.  ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: DumbAss Tanker on September 04, 2009, 08:37:17 AM
Yeah I don't recall the Ranger being a model known for lasting 20 years.

Kill it.  Kill it with fire.

Mine is pretty close to it.

Unless there is a problem in the fuel line, like a grungy line filter, it is almost certainly the emissions system.  A completely used-up catalytic converter will cause this, as the emission system will get signals from sending units in the exhaust (casued by oil cooking in the converter) the shut a valve in the intake air, and try to rebreathe the exhaust.  The engine will appear to idle normally, but be unable to develop any power or accelerate.

Teriyaki can easily troubleshoot this by the non-environmentally-friendly expedient of detaching the intake air hose at the carb, then driving it up and down the street.  If the vehicle accelerates and can get out of first gear with the entire air cleaning/emissions package out of the loop, it is an air problem (and probably caused by emission control crap) and not a carbeuration or fuel issue.
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: Chump on September 04, 2009, 09:00:10 AM
Mine is pretty close to it.

Unless there is a problem in the fuel line, like a grungy line filter, it is almost certainly the emissions system.  A completely used-up catalytic converter will cause this, as the emission system will get signals from sending units in the exhaust (casued by oil cooking in the converter) the shut a valve in the intake air, and try to rebreathe the exhaust.  The engine will appear to idle normally, but be unable to develop any power or accelerate.

Teriyaki can easily troubleshoot this by the non-environmentally-friendly expedient of detaching the intake air hose at the carb, then driving it up and down the street.  If the vehicle accelerates and can get out of first gear with the entire air cleaning/emissions package out of the loop, it is an air problem (and probably caused by emission control crap) and not a carbeuration or fuel issue.

You'd seem to be the exception to the rule, and I'm guessing it's because you obviously know your sh!t.
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: JohnnyReb on September 04, 2009, 10:17:59 AM
Change "butt plugs"
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: Splashdown on September 04, 2009, 10:22:28 AM
Sounds like the fuel filter to me.
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: DumbAss Tanker on September 04, 2009, 11:17:43 AM
Sounds like the fuel filter to me.

Either way, fuel or the air, it's very easy to troubleshoot and figure out which, with just a screwdriver and five minutes of time.  Doesn't appear to be an ignition problem, though. 
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: AllosaursRus on September 04, 2009, 11:55:38 AM
I've seen timing belts skip a coupla cogs when the get worn and do this.

Computer control will still try and time it but if it's too far out it's impossible. The backfiring is what makes me think it is timing as the cylinders are firing at the wrong time.
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: jukin on September 04, 2009, 12:10:29 PM
Timing problem. If it can go 20 mph in first it's getting plenty of fuel.
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: DumbAss Tanker on September 04, 2009, 02:54:59 PM
I've seen timing belts skip a coupla cogs when the get worn and do this.

Computer control will still try and time it but if it's too far out it's impossible. The backfiring is what makes me think it is timing as the cylinders are firing at the wrong time.

That's entirely possible if it's got 200K on the current belt and gears, which with a DUmmie and a 20-year-old truck is quite likely.  Mine has over 250K and is pretty much just a farm truck now, but it got a new timing kit somewhere between 175K and 180K.
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: miskie on September 04, 2009, 03:02:34 PM
Mine is pretty close to it.

Unless there is a problem in the fuel line, like a grungy line filter, it is almost certainly the emissions system.  A completely used-up catalytic converter will cause this, as the emission system will get signals from sending units in the exhaust (casued by oil cooking in the converter) the shut a valve in the intake air, and try to rebreathe the exhaust.  The engine will appear to idle normally, but be unable to develop any power or accelerate.

Teriyaki can easily troubleshoot this by the non-environmentally-friendly expedient of detaching the intake air hose at the carb, then driving it up and down the street.  If the vehicle accelerates and can get out of first gear with the entire air cleaning/emissions package out of the loop, it is an air problem (and probably caused by emission control crap) and not a carbeuration or fuel issue.

That is almost exactly my thought - that the exhaust is clogged someplace, but my thinking was a burnt out exhaust valve issue. I'm just a shadetree idiot when it comes to auto mechanics so I'm probably wrong.
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: JohnnyReb on September 04, 2009, 03:07:42 PM
I'd like to kick the A$$ of the idiot that thought a timing belt was better than steel gears and a timing chain.....must have been a younger brother to the idiot that put the first Nylon timing gears in high performance cars.... :bird:
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: diesel driver on September 04, 2009, 03:51:34 PM
Either way, fuel or the air, it's very easy to troubleshoot and figure out which, with just a screwdriver and five minutes of time.  Doesn't appear to be an ignition problem, though.  

My guess would be either a clogged converter or muffler, timing belt, sticking or clogged fuel injector, or an EGR valve sticking open....

If this thing still has the original fuel pump, it's PAST time for replacement....

Engines only need three things to work right:  Fuel, Air, and Fire, but all need to be added at the proper times, and in the proper quantities....
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: tuolumnejim on September 04, 2009, 04:02:51 PM
If the timing's ok more than likely it's the Idle Air Control Valve.
Title: Re: primitive sputtering and backfiring
Post by: GOBUCKS on September 04, 2009, 08:46:48 PM
Worn out sparks, all dim and everything.
Remove spark plugs, drain old sparks, replace with new bright sparks.
Replace plugs.

Then, either send it to Keef, or ask the Kenyan muslim to buy you a new one.

Why would anyone want to help a DUmmy?