Working on the "new to me" 1986 Ranger. I'll tryto cover all the bases to minimize possibilities.

It's a 4 plug 2.3L (EFI), five speed with a LOT of new partsthat were installed when I got it. The front cover and valve cover have beenoff.

The problem....idle is rough and it belches blacksmoke....almost like it "identifies" as a diesel. It flooded itselfso bad that it would not start (with the MSD plugs). I removed them andinstalled new Champion plugs (were in the cab with lots of other stuff) andgapped at .044". Below is a picture of the spark plugs after five minutesof run time.

New Fuel tank (unsure about the pump). Fuel level is verylow and not sure how old it is. Going to get new high test and dry gas todayand add it in.

New MSD coil, wires, cap, rotor, plugs. New injectors.

New IAC and EGR.

Compression test shows 120# at each cylinder.

Timing is set at 10BTDC. HOWEVER...I did not pull the coverto check all the timing marks to make sure they are all in sync.

Checked the firing order to make sure they had itproper...it was.

I unplugged the MAP sensor (truck was off). Restarted and theidle did not seem to change pitch. However when I plugged it back in (whilealready running) the idle did smooth out and black smoke went away for about 15seconds. Then it came right back....ugh. Got a new MAP sensor and nothingchanged.

There is a vac line (metal elbow) from the BOTTOM of thethrottle body that has a section of rubber line on it and is plugged. I'm sureit is supposed to go somewhere but I'm not sure where. I pulled the cappedrubber line off the elbow while running and the idle speeds up substantially(as expected).

The plan...for tonight I will add new fuel, clean the plugsand check the vac line from the MAP to the T-body for obstruction.

What else can I do to trouble shoot this bugger. Thanks.

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