I have a 2001 Ranger XLT 2wd, 3.0 V-6 with 150,000 miles. Problem is that it will sputter, cough and loose power under hard acceleration. The problem is not consistant, it comes and goes. I have replaced the fuel filter and cleaned the injectors replaced plugs, wires and the coil pack. In addition I have replaced the throttle position sensor and the cam position sensor. None have helped, the problem is still there. Any ideas?

 

I read this post on another site. Does this sound like it could cause the problems I have been experiencing?

The symptoms:
1. Hard start after long idle.
2. Misfires at full throttle, climbing uphill, acceleration, etc.
3. Later check engine light
came on with171 and 174 codes.
4. Fuel pressure was low at the rail <40PSI and was rapidly dropping after engine off.
5. Finally, I couldn't start the truck on the coldest night.

The problem:
Inside the fuel pump assembly, the short piece of the rubber hose going from pressure regulator to the outlet was leaking fuel when pump was running.

The cause:
Ethanol (10% in modern gas) causes rubber hose to shrink, weakening the clamp connector.

The solution:
New piece of plastic lined rubber hose that Schucks sells (couldn't find at Autozone) and really good clamps (not the kind you use on your garden hose). Buy a good quality hose rated at 90psi with plastic liner inside, suitable for ethanol application
.