Engine stalling with low fuel level

[RangerJ]

I recently bought a 2000 Ranger with 3.0 motor. It has 145,000 miles on it. When I take off from a start or make a sharp turn, the motor loses power and almost stalls out. Could it be a fuel pump problem?
Also the power seems weak. I previously had a 1993 Ranger with 4.0 motor, which seemed to have more power in spite of 200,000 miles. Is there a noticeable deference in power between the two motors?
The check engine light has not come on. I have not tried any diagnostic testing as I don't know where to start.

Thanks

 

[whitestang04gt]

I recently bought a 2000 Ranger with 3.0 motor. It has 145,000 miles on it. When I take off from a start or make a sharp turn, the motor loses power and almost stalls out. Could it be a fuel pump problem?
Also the power seems weak. I previously had a 1993 Ranger with 4.0 motor, which seemed to have more power in spite of 200,000 miles. Is there a noticeable deference in power between the two motors?
The check engine light has not come on. I have not tried any diagnostic testing as I don't know where to start.

Thanks

Have you tried a new fuel filter?

 

[dreamr]

the title of the thread said this happens with low fuel level - the text of your post did not mention this. Is the problem only existing when you are low on gas.

I ask as I have found the **** design of my gas tank to force me to never drop below 1/4 to 1/8 tank or I have this issue whenever nose down or in a steady corner.

 

[RangerJ]

Yes the problem only occurs when the fuel level is below 1/4 of a tank left. No I have not tried a new fuel filter.

 

[whitestang04gt]

Yes the problem only occurs when the fuel level is below 1/4 of a tank left. No I have not tried a new fuel filter.

Try the filter first, its cheap & always good insurance..sometimes the pumps are working so hard to push through the filter that they get really hot at low tank levels, causing them to not be as efficient. Might be a simple cheap fix.

 

[fixxxer]

the 1000cc difference between the two engines will make quite a bit of horsepower, so your answer is yes, the engine difference could make a big difference in power output

 

[Cobraguy]

Crawl under the truck and see if there is any damage to the fuel tank. i.e. the bottom of the tank is pushed up under the pick up so the thing is actually running out of gas around a quarter of a tank.

 

[RangerJ]

I just replaced the fuel filter, and it did not seem to make any change. The motor still loses power with acceleration from a stop, driving around turns and driving up hills. When it loses power, it is only briefly, and the engine seems to run normally as long as you are going straight. It almost seems as if the fuel problem is gravity dependent.
There does not appear to be any damage to the gas tank.

 

[whitestang04gt]

I just replaced the fuel filter, and it did not seem to make any change. The motor still loses power with acceleration from a stop, driving around turns and driving up hills. When it loses power, it is only briefly, and the engine seems to run normally as long as you are going straight. It almost seems as if the fuel problem is gravity dependent.
There does not appear to be any damage to the gas tank.

You should have someone run a diagnostics on it...What about your air cleaner, is it clean? could be a dirty maf, soulds like its doing it more when its under a load than anything, that could be numerous things.

 

[freerider6_9]

Yes the problem only occurs when the fuel level is below 1/4 of a tank left. No I have not tried a new fuel filter.

How about you just fill up your tank and not let it get that low? In my opinion this is better for the fuel pump anyways as the fuel will keep it cooler if the pump is submerged in it.

 

[whitestang04gt]

Is it an automatic? maybe its your tranny? Does it "only" do it when your below 1/4 tank, you mentioned it did it from a stop & up hills?