1988 ranger runs like crap!

[lilrogue78]

Well i have a 1988 ranger 2.9 i just bought i drove it home and would run very rough just like somebody was turning the key on and off and could not barely exceed 45mph when pressing the gas pedal the truck will jerk as if its running out of fuel then will take off and run good for a split second and die back out not stalling tho so i checked it out and the plugs look okay so i figured i was loosing fuel and was dying out and then would catch back up as it gained pressure so i changed both pumps and stil no change its only running at 22psi with i read it should have between 30-45 (so i am prety low) and only building 15PSI w/o running unless i toggle the key on and off and cycle the pumps about 10 times and it will finally build to about 29 but thats all i even changed the FPR and no difference i am stumped it wont run for crap and i want to drive it its a 4X4 extended cab and i bought a whole different front wheel drive system to install seince the differental and half shaft on the driver side was bad so i have a good bit of cash wraped up in it any hep appreciated (thanks in advance)
dave

[ilLUMINAteddriver]

This may not be the most helpful suggestion, but have you changed the fuel filter? I'd do that before I changed the pumps, but you didn't mention it. Are the fuel lines in alright shape? Steel lines on a vehicle that old may very well have deteriorated, especially if the truck sat for any length of time.

Good luck.

[lilrogue78]

Changed the filter and all the lines seem to be fine

[Mark Fowler]

It's possible the carburetor could be gunked up if it's been sitting, i'm not sure of an easy way to test that. if you could keep it running, you could spray some carburetor cleaner in a vacuum line.

you may have vacuum leaks if those hoses have not been kept up.

[bratt]

I hear the jets in the carburetor fill up with carbon and rust when you let it sit long enough. you have to clean them by hand

[lilrogue78]

None carburated its Fuel Injected

[bratt]

you need to get that FUEL PRESSURE right!

[stephen15c]

Im having the same problem. I believe its an ignition component thats either over heating or failing. Wiggle around your ignition key/steering wheel and make sure you dont have any problems with the ignition switch in the steering column (mine was loose and causing all kinds of problems). Also the ECM is a cheap and quick replacment.

[DonSor]

No CEL indication at all?