Ford: ford ranger 1997, ford garage, distributor ignition

Question
I wanted to give you a try....I saw that your specialty is older fords so if this is out of your reach feel free to say so....I thank you ahead of time for even reading this note.
my ranger at about 35 miles an hour will have a stutter in the engine...it is so light that sometimes it is hard to feel...it does not jump and buck. the engine light is not on.The engine will be warm..to make it worse it does not do it everyday.also should I be happy with 19 miles to a gallon with a 4 cylinder engine or could this be a symtom...I'm an old guy and don't cowboy it off the line....this truck has only 55,000 miles on it....any help you can give will be greatly appreciated..I know if I take it to the ford garage they will install a new engine...its the trust I have in dealerships....thanks again...Les,Tacoma,Washington  

Answer
hi Les,

the first thing that comes to mind is the ignition system.  most often, a slight stutter in the engine means that combustion isn't fully taking place every time.  an ignition problem would result in a small stutter exactly like the one you described.

the problem is that it is difficult to pin point the problem, since ignition systems are 100% electronic, it could be any number of things.  most likely, there is a problem with one or more of the following:

-ignition coils
-ignition module
-distributor
-ignition signal sensor
-spark plug(s)
-wiring

you should have these things checked by a mechanic.  it should be an easy procedure.  the good news is that any of these things are relatively cheap to repair or replace.  you don't need a new engine yet, Les.  i hope i helped.

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