Black Residue Coming Out Of Tailpipe, 86 Ranger

[RomDonLom]

We just inherited an 86 Ford Ranger 2.9 liter engine. When I drive it, it has this feeling that its going to die. I hit the gas and it goes ok for a little ways then it does it again. I noticed this morning that there is black residue coming from the tailpipe. The exhaust also smells really bad. What could the problem be?

[rum runner]

Originally Posted by RomDonLom

We just inherited an 86 Ford Ranger 2.9 liter engine. When I drive it, it has this feeling that its going to die. I hit the gas and it goes ok for a little ways then it does it again. I noticed this morning that there is black residue coming from the tailpipe. The exhaust also smells really bad. What could the problem be?

It's 20 years old.

Could be plugs, carburetor, air filter, inefficient emissions system, crummy fuel, could be lots of things. Since you inherited it you have $0 in it. Wouldn't hurt to spend a little to get it going. Do the simple stuff first.

[acuraracer]

Originally Posted by RomDonLom

We just inherited an 86 Ford Ranger 2.9 liter engine. When I drive it, it has this feeling that its going to die. I hit the gas and it goes ok for a little ways then it does it again. I noticed this morning that there is black residue coming from the tailpipe. The exhaust also smells really bad. What could the problem be?

could be you o2 sencers,I have a 93 ranger and the last time it did that it was the ecu was bad or the o2 is bad........

[Psychopete]

Originally Posted by RomDonLom

We just inherited an 86 Ford Ranger 2.9 liter engine. When I drive it, it has this feeling that its going to die. I hit the gas and it goes ok for a little ways then it does it again. I noticed this morning that there is black residue coming from the tailpipe. The exhaust also smells really bad. What could the problem be?

Definately sounds like it's getting too much fuel. I would start with the simple things first.

Sometimes you can diagnose a bad fuel pressure regulator by removing the vacuum line from the fuel pressure regulator and checking for fuel. Sometimes, the diaphram will rupture and will cause raw fuel to enter the engine through the upper intake manifold. The fuel pressure regulator is located on the drivers side of the engine, on top of the fuel rail, near the schrader valve, back by the firewall.

If that's good, you will either need to have someone run the codes for you (Autozone will for free) or you can do it youself:
http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/

The ECUs rarely go bad on these little V6s. If you cannot get any codes out of the engine, this is probably the problem, but it's doubtful.

You might also check the fuel pressure to just make sure that it's not getting way too much fuel.

Have you checked the plugs? There's a big difference if all are rich (black deposits) or if only one is rich. Do you have any idea of what kind of fuel mileage it's getting?

O2 sensor is usually first thought of on something like that. They need replaced every so often. The o2 sensor has a pretty big effect on the air fuel mixture. Unhook the o2 sensor on the collector, passenger side, way down, follow the exhaust manfold, it's very hard to see. If it clears up the dying, that's the problem. Be sure to replace it or you'll get horrible fuel mileage.

Pete

[RomDonLom]

At this point we have gone 102 miles and the tank is empty. We definately have a lot to do this truck this weekend . My husband got tired of the AM radio and put in his old stereo. I told him , "That's the least of your worry!"
<He's A Dork!>