truck problems

[83185s]

ok i got an 87 ranger xlt with the 2.9 engine and 5 speed manual tranny...i changed the plugs and wires 1 at a time so i wouldnt get anything confused...now after i did that..it sounds like its missing out or somethin..but only in 2nd -5th ... i was told it could be a clogged cadillidic (spelling) converter...now...why would it only do it after i changed the plugs and wires and not before...it ran perfect till i changed them..i changed them cause the wires were different colors and i didnt think that was a good thing..so i bought new wires and autolite plugs...changed them...and now it runs like crap...i was just wondering if it is a clogged cadillidic converter or if i may have moved the distributor cap a little on accident trying to get a wire off..cause there were a couple that were on there pretty good...anyway...any suggestions would be helpfull..2 morrow i plan on getting under it with a big screw driver and chisleing out alot of the crap in it...the back half is off the truck right now cause it fell off..lol..any way.. i figured it would be worth a shot asking some of you "professionals" :p ...thanks guys

[ATC crazy]

You probably did move the distributor cap while you were tugging on the wires. Just the tiniest ammount of movement can cause the timing to jump.

It could also be that one or more of your wires is not getting a good connection with the plugs or the distributor. Make sure you use some di-electric grease on the plug connections to keep water and debris out of it as well...

[Pistonhead]

^^^^^^What he said. If your timing is off a little bit that can cause it to sputter a bit. Cleaning out that catalytic converter probably isnt such a bad idea either.

[wanta250r]

Yes, it is spelled, Catalytic, not cadillidic :o

[83185s]

lol well i didnt know..ive never had to spell it..as long as i can say it im good to go..lol..english..blah...anyway..all the plugs are in tight and the wires are all on all the way and tight ... i think its the catalytic converter..becuase now it does it all the time in 1st - 5th and if you put it to the floor it is a constant sputter...so i think its clogged..i dont think its the distributo cap wither..i see no signs of it have been moved..like no drag lines or anything near or on the bolts...thanks tho guys...any more comments or tips are welcome

[r00sty]

You must have had a reason to start this tune up, well I'd finish it if I were you, starting with your fuel filter, and air filter. I think your converter, as much as I hate them, isn't your problem. Just my opinion....

[83185s]

well the day after we got it my dad changed the oil, oil filter, and air filter... if it was the fuel filter it would shut off because it would be starving itself from gas..like my 3 wheeler..lol..but it doesnt..it runs fine until you get on it a little..then it bogs but keeps goin..im thinkin its that..and my dad does too..hes gonna get the exhaust redone and then well see what happens...i dunno tho...i think its the catalytic converter and maybe i moved the distributor cap a little..i dunno ..well see here in a few days or weeks i guess

[mn-250r-atc]

take all the plugs back out one by one and check them very carefully to so if maybe you cracked one or two by accident. or try spraying water on the plugs in the dark and see if you can see any of them arching. try the water test first if possible. oh and did you make sure you gapped the plugs at their proper specs. just some thought on the matter. cuz if it ran fine and it runs bad after something you did is probaly the cause.

[83185s]

the autolite package said not to gap i think..lol maybe thats why! but yea i thought about takin them out cause i bought 2 more just in case i may have cracked some of the stuff off..i forgot what its called..lol...anyway...ill buy a spark plug gapper and do it 2 morrow probly when i get donew ridin..it should be cooled down by then...

[RideRed250R]

I am going to say ??? did you gap your plugs???? also,,,, runs some efi cleaner threw your fuel system just to make sure everything is clean
adam