running like crap!

1993rangerxl · Jul 11, 2014

Ok, here's the lowdown. Was leaking coolant into #3 cylinder, replaced head gasket, done ran fine before tear down. Now bearly runs at all. Bad miss, backfires up intake, backfires through exhaust also. No check engine lite. Checked timing, it is off 1tooth on the can, will fix that in the morning. What else should I be looking for? I'm thinking, plugs, plug wires, possible injectors?
Info, its a 93 four banger(2.3) manual trans, 4X2 base model truck.

RonD · Jul 11, 2014

I would say firing order, I know, I know, you checked it twice, lol, try a third time, it is the simple things that snowball into pulling everything apart.

'93 was pre Cam Position Sensor(CPS) I think, so the firing of spark plugs and the injector timing is all based on the CKP(crank position) sensor.
When you do the timing belt you are suppose to use a special tool to align the CKP sensor, most don't and have no problem...........but you ARE having a problem, so maybe CKP related as that is the sole timing device used on that engine.

Crank and valve timing(the belt) create compression, and only 1 tooth off on cam would just lose you some power(compression), it should still run smooth
Although the Cam gear has 38 teeth(crank 19) so each tooth represents about 10deg(9.47), so not nothing either

1993rangerxl · Jul 12, 2014

Back in time. Slight improvement but still running like crap! Next plugs & wires

1993rangerxl · Jul 13, 2014

All new plugs & wires. Now down to a single big miss. Looks like #3 cylinder is the culprit. Will be replacing the injector there next.

bigmark303 · Jul 14, 2014

swap the injector with an existing one in a cylinder that is firing normal. See if it moves to that cylinder. Just incase it isnt you cant return installed injectors so at least rule it out.

otherwise if timing is correct and firing order for the plugs is correct it should be a faulty injector if only misfiring on one cylinder.

1993rangerxl · Jul 17, 2014

Looking like #3 injector not working. Replaced with reman still not working. Have strong spark there, just no fuel. Where to look next? Don't have specialty equipment to check for voltage or things like that.

Spott · Jul 17, 2014

"Invest" in a cheap multi-tester from Radio Shack or Harbor Freight or similar. It should cost less than $15 and will be useful for countless future troubleshooting tasks. You're unlikely to be able to chase this problem down without it, unless you just get lucky.

SenorNoob · Jul 17, 2014

Does the 4 cylinder use some version of batch-fire on the injectors like the 4.0 of that time? IF so why not just jumper the wiring for that injector from it's mate?

RonD · Jul 17, 2014

1993 2.3l is most likely Batch fire because it had no CPS(cam position sensor).
Injectors 1 and 4 open at the same time, and 2 and 3 open at the same time.

Just to be clear, if you disconnect the coil(s), then crank the engine for a few seconds, and then pull out #3 spark plug.......there is no fuel on it?

With a voltmeter and key on all 8 fuel injector wires should show 12volts(battery voltage), if they are connected.
1 on each will show 12volts if disconnected.

Injectors are only 14ohms so very little voltage loss.

1993rangerxl · Jul 18, 2014

Have a multi meter, will be checking things out the next two days. Will let you know the outcome.
Thanks for all the input.

1993rangerxl · Jul 21, 2014

Piece of metal lodged in number three intake valve holding it open. Removed, seams to be running fine now.

alwaysFlOoReD · Jul 22, 2014

Glad you found it.

1993rangerxl · Jul 23, 2014

Back from shop, miss turned out to be a piece of broken keeper lodged in #3 intake valve keeping it open and allowing rocker to fall out of place. Lucky for me did no internal damage and broken part is not from this head. Must have lodged in there when head was redone. Running great now!

RonD · Jul 23, 2014

Boy, that is an odd one

running like crap!

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