Shakes when started and loses power when driving uphill?

1998 FORD RANGER
122,000 MILES • 2.5L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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AGARCIAHTX
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  • 3 POSTS
My truck shakes when I turn it on, when I run it takes a while to get going, on can get going somewhat on flat ground but if there is any uphill at all starts to lack power and speeds down. I have changed the spark plugs the wires, IAC, and ignition coils as well.
Please help. Thank you!
Jun 30, 2021 at 5:03 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
There are a number of things that can cause this but this sounds most like a fuel issue.

However, here is a guide that will cover the basics on this issue:

https://youtu.be/U1RoG3I-Oww

I would suggest starting with checking the fuel pressure while this issue is happening and go from there.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

If the pressure checks out (please let us know what the PSI is when it is acting up) then we should look into injector issues.

We can run a cleaner through the fuel but let's start with the pressure.

Thanks
Jul 1, 2021 at 8:09 AM
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AGARCIAHTX
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I turned my truck on and removed the engine oil cap feel it sucking in air. Does that mean it’s and engine compression problem?
Jul 13, 2021 at 7:37 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

If you remove the oil cap and feel a vacuum, that is a good indication that the PCV system is doing its job. If it was blowing air out, then I would suspect there was a compression issue due to worn piston rings.

Let me know what is happening so I can better help. Also, if you are still concerned about compression, here is a link that shows how it's checked:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Let me know what I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

Jul 13, 2021 at 7:37 AM (Merged)
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AGARCIAHTX
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
My truck shakes when I turn it on, when I run it takes a while to get going, can get going somewhat on flat ground but if there is any uphill at all starts to lack power and speeds down. I have changed the spark plugs, spark plug wires, IAC, and ignition coils as well. Has no check engine light on.
Jul 13, 2021 at 7:37 AM (Merged)
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