89 ranger running rough

[watermellon]

Hi. I have an '89 ranger with2.3l engine. The truck was running good the last time I drove it two weeks ago. However, when I started it today it was idling rough. I took it for a drive and it still sounded and ran rough... almost like it was running on 3 cylinders. What could be wrong with it? Could it be bad spark plug wires? Something wrong with the ignition coil packs? Like I said before, it was running good the last time I drove it. If anyone can help me, I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

 

[Rick]

Pull one plug wire at a time to see if you can find a dead cylinder. Once you find a dead cylinder check for spark coming from the plug wire. If you have spark, do a compression test.

 

[watermellon]

Rick, how do you know if the cylinder is dead? Should the truck be running when the spark plug wire is pulled? Or should the truck be not be running when the wire is pulled and then start it to look for the dead cylinder? Also won't I get a big shock if I pull a spark plug wire while the truck is running? I don't know, that's why I'm asking.

If I don't get a spark, does that mean all I have to do is put a new spark plug wire in? To check for a spark you just hold the wire close to the spark plug right? Should the wire be held with insulated pliers or can it be held with my bare hand? I'm not much of a mechanic but I do like trying to do things myself instead of taking the truck to a shop. If you can help me further Rick (or anybody else reading this), I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.