• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

SOLVED - Strange major problem - suddenly car won´t run right, lots of blue smoke, after just sitting for a few hours


Cees Klumper

Active Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2019
Messages
189
Reaction score
134
Points
43
Location
De Luz, CA (near Camp Pendleton)
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Bronco II XLT
Transmission
Automatic
I went to start up my '90 2.9 Bronco II just now, and it ran really rough, sputtering, missing and had no power. It did this once before but straightened itself out, and I thought it would straighten itself out as I started driving. However, it did not smoothen out, on the contrary it started running rougher and, worse, started blowing a lot of blue smoke. I stopped the car and as I shut the engine off, I heard what sounded like faint knocking noises from under the hood. Opened the hood, and saw some what seemed like coolant on top of the driver's side exhaust manifold. I thought perhaps it had blown a head gasket, although the coolant reservoir was at its normal level and the smoke was blue, not white or grey.
After letting it sit for maybe 10 minutes I started it up again, and it ran a bit better, and there was initially no smoke. However, after maybe 30 seconds it started to run really rough again and the blue smoke re-appeared. I disconnected the MAF and then the TPS, but there was no change.
For what it's worth, it felt like the engine was firing / igniting at the wrong times. The liquid (coolant?) on top of the manifold seemed to be coming through the connection at the exhaust downpipe, rather than through the head gasket, if that's even possible, but I could not see where else it could be coming from.
I drove the car earlier today and it ran great. It seems strange that, after sitting for a half a day, it would develop such a major problem. The one thing I did do during the day, was fix two broken wires under the dash to the cruise control stalk, and I turned the ignition on and off several times in the process. So I thought maybe one or more leaking injectors may have fouled out spark plugs? The blue smoke has me really concerned. Could it be one of the main sensors to the ECU has failed? I checked for codes a week ago, and it came back all clean at that time.

Grateful for any suggestions.
 
Last edited:


Paulos

Active Member
Joined
May 7, 2018
Messages
479
Reaction score
210
Points
43
Location
North Carolina
Vehicle Year
1987 STX
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
So, it ran great, you worked on some wiring, and now it's running really bad. It could be unrelated, but if it happened to me, I would suspect the work I just did to it.

If it was running great earlier, it's unlikely that the injectors suddenly have a problem. It sounds more like something isn't right with the ignition. I would undo everything you changed with the wiring (and in the process look for something you may have inadvertently changed), and start it up. Also, check the ignition module connector to see if it's plugged in all the way.

Once you get it running good enough and long enough to warm up, you can look for the source of what you suspect is coolant. Check the dipstick for an oil level that's too high and signs of coolant.
 

Dirtman

Former Middleweight Moss Fighting Champion
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
19,304
Reaction score
13,326
Points
113
Location
41N 75W
Vehicle Year
2009
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
It's up there.
Total Drop
It's down there.
Tire Size
Round.
My credo
I poop in the furnace.

Cees Klumper

Active Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2019
Messages
189
Reaction score
134
Points
43
Location
De Luz, CA (near Camp Pendleton)
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Bronco II XLT
Transmission
Automatic
Thanks, I did unplug the cruise control wire I fixed but it made no difference. Don't think I touched anything else at the steering column, let alone something that would influence the engine running. I also fiddled with the ignition module while the engine was running but, again, no difference. Will check the oil tomorrow. Will also put in a set of fresh spark plugs just in case. Hope @PetroleumJunkie412 weighs in also.
 

PetroleumJunkie412

Official TRS EV Taunter
Supporting Member
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Oct 31, 2018
Messages
7,826
Reaction score
6,565
Points
113
Location
Dirtman's Basement
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
2.9l Trinity
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Give 'yer balls a tug. Fight me.
??

Thanks, I did unplug the cruise control wire I fixed but it made no difference. Don't think I touched anything else at the steering column, let alone something that would influence the engine running. I also fiddled with the ignition module while the engine was running but, again, no difference. Will check the oil tomorrow. Will also put in a set of fresh spark plugs just in case. Hope @PetroleumJunkie412 weighs in also.
Probably TFI related. Disconnect spout connector and listen and drive. If motor is smoother, but no power, likely TFI module partial failure.

If not, then coil or distributor related. Possible fuel issue as well. Joys of OBD1.

Age of cap, rotor, wires and plugs? Plug type and gap? Brands of each?

Coil type, age, and appearance? Rf capacitor installed?

Suggest disconnect spout and drive. Send us a few photos of a few plugs and cap and rotor.

Check base timing. Should be read from needle at 10BTDC.

Perform KOEO and KOER tests. Let us know what codes. Wait for stored codes.

We'll walk you through the diagnostics. Start with above. Counterintuitive on some things, but great engine to learn efi on due to simplicity.

My 2¢. But hey, I just work here. Back to mopping coolant.
 

RobbieD

2.9l Mafia
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
3,802
Reaction score
3,311
Points
113
Location
Georgia
Vehicle Year
1984,1990,1994
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
Toonces drives a Ranger . . . . just not very well.
Definitely start following the steps that PetroleumJunkie laid out. But-

. . . The one thing I did do during the day, was fix two broken wires under the dash to the cruise control stalk, and I turned the ignition on and off several times in the process. . . .
Is your cruise control not buttons on the steering pad?

Your describing it as a "stalk" has me wondering if your cruise control is aftermarket, not factory installed. Aftermarket wiring can be a real can of worms sometimes, and I'm also struck by the "coincidence" of your fixing the wires and then the problem showing up.
 

PetroleumJunkie412

Official TRS EV Taunter
Supporting Member
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Oct 31, 2018
Messages
7,826
Reaction score
6,565
Points
113
Location
Dirtman's Basement
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
2.9l Trinity
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Give 'yer balls a tug. Fight me.
Definitely start following the steps that PetroleumJunkie laid out. But-



Is your cruise control not buttons on the steering pad?

Your describing it as a "stalk" has me wondering if your cruise control is aftermarket, not factory installed. Aftermarket wiring can be a real can of worms sometimes, and I'm also struck by the "coincidence" of your fixing the wires and then the problem showing up.
YOURE A STALK

But also. Damn fine observation.
 

RobbieD

2.9l Mafia
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
3,802
Reaction score
3,311
Points
113
Location
Georgia
Vehicle Year
1984,1990,1994
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
Toonces drives a Ranger . . . . just not very well.
Well, I have been called worse.
Beats being stalked, or a stalker, though.
 

PetroleumJunkie412

Official TRS EV Taunter
Supporting Member
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Oct 31, 2018
Messages
7,826
Reaction score
6,565
Points
113
Location
Dirtman's Basement
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
2.9l Trinity
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Give 'yer balls a tug. Fight me.
You'll never know if you have a good stalker. You'll never know they're there.
 

Locotomb

Active Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2017
Messages
111
Reaction score
62
Points
28
Location
Puyallup, WA
Vehicle Year
1988, 1986
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.3l
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
6inch custom fab lift/86
Total Drop
Bagged 3 inch custom drop beams 88/89 Custom triangulated and step notched rear
Tire Size
35/12.5/r18
My credo
Everything looks better lower
Alright, lets get away from the creepy and back to the 2.9l. I was thinking, he said Maf. So I assume the 1990 2.9l runs a maf setup. I knew that, So does the Maf system still use a map for the initial Barometric reading when you crank the vehicle? If so, you could be getting a bad Baro reading causing the missfires and blue smoke.
 

rusty ol ranger

Im a Jeep guy now.
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2007
Messages
12,261
Reaction score
7,272
Points
113
Location
Michigan
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
177 CID
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
You *sure* its blue smoke and not black?

Its highly unlikely it would begin burning massive amounts of oil that quickly.

Pull the vaccuum hose off the FPR (fuel pressure regulator), see if theres gas in it.

Very common thing on 2.9s.

Also check/replace your PCV valve and check the hose for any obstructions
 

PetroleumJunkie412

Official TRS EV Taunter
Supporting Member
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Oct 31, 2018
Messages
7,826
Reaction score
6,565
Points
113
Location
Dirtman's Basement
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
2.9l Trinity
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Give 'yer balls a tug. Fight me.
Alright, lets get away from the creepy and back to the 2.9l. I was thinking, he said Maf. So I assume the 1990 2.9l runs a maf setup. I knew that, So does the Maf system still use a map for the initial Barometric reading when you crank the vehicle? If so, you could be getting a bad Baro reading causing the missfires and blue smoke.
Only 2.9 Rangers that have MAF are California emissions trucks. Very uncommon.
 

Locotomb

Active Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2017
Messages
111
Reaction score
62
Points
28
Location
Puyallup, WA
Vehicle Year
1988, 1986
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.3l
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
6inch custom fab lift/86
Total Drop
Bagged 3 inch custom drop beams 88/89 Custom triangulated and step notched rear
Tire Size
35/12.5/r18
My credo
Everything looks better lower
Thanks for the info PetroleumJunkie412. I have seen one at my local Yard. Must of been a CA car. And I just looked. He's in CA. What are the odds? lol Thanks again..
 

Cees Klumper

Active Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2019
Messages
189
Reaction score
134
Points
43
Location
De Luz, CA (near Camp Pendleton)
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Bronco II XLT
Transmission
Automatic
Thanks all of you for the many great tips. I feel like I got to know this truck a WHOLE lot better in the past few hours.

So ... the issue was the fuel pressure regulator (prize goes to Rusty). The diaphragm or whatever is inside had clearly broken because it was dumping lots of gas straight into the intake manifold, through the vacuum line. It must have pumped about 2 gallons worth into the intake. Come to think of it, I better replace the oil and fillter as some of it probably washed down the cylinder walls, past the piston rings. Raw gas was coming out of the tailpipe!

First I replaced the distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs and the ignition module (applying the layer of grease that came with the module), thinking the problem was ignition related. Last week I had already put in fresh spark plug wires. However replacing all these ignition components made no difference, still the same bad symptoms.

So my neighbor, a retired longtime Ford mechanic who worked on these cars who was helping me, and I went for the next thing (fuel) and when we pulled the vacuum line off the regulator, fuel just ran straight out. I turned on the ignition and it just squirted out of the vacuum line. So I got a new regulator (thanks for auto parts stores who have all this stuff in stock), installed it with a new fuel hose (the PO had fitted a piece of too-large diameter coolant hose), and ...

It started up and immediately ran fine, on all cylinders and smooth. There was still a huge cloud of blue smoke coming out the tailpipe but my neighbor said not to worry, it is just burning up all of that raw fuel. Probably this was gas mixed with 'washed-down' oil. After a minute or so the exhaust color started to turn grey. It kept smoking like this for about 5 minutes, burning up the raw gas in the exhaust, and then the smoking stopped. I went on a 15 mile ride and it ran super sweet. Even the cruise control (my yesterday repair) now works. It's most likely an aftermarket unit. No buttons on the steering wheel. But it works fine.

The only change now is that it upshifts a bit quicker than before, making the car a bit 'lazier'. It was probably running rich all the time as I suspect the FPR had a small / pinhole leak before it completely failed yesterday. I checked the mileage for the first time yesterday and it was around 12 MPG over the 5 weeks since I boughg the car. I filled it up again and will monitor mileage.

So all's well that ends well. Turned out to be something relatively simple and inexpensive. Plus now I have most ignition parts new, which is nice to know. My only worry is the gas may have ruined the cats, and/or the oxygen sensor. The check engine light is not on though. I will check for codes in a couple of days, after changing oil + filter.

Thanks all again, I do love this little truck!
 

alwaysFlOoReD

Forum Staff Member
TRS Forum Moderator
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Apr 13, 2009
Messages
13,868
Reaction score
5,029
Points
113
Location
Calgary, Canada
Vehicle Year
'91, '80, '06
Make / Model
Ford, GMC,Dodge
Engine Size
4.0,4.0,5.7
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Thanks for posting the detailed update.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top