Hi, I recently got a Bronco II (Eddie Bauer) with a 2.9L. When I bought it the engine ran rough, had no power, and stubbled upon acceleration. I noticed the high idle was from a vavle type line coming from the intake manifold. I plugged that and the idle went normal. I also replaced the plugs to Bosche +2s, added a K&N filter, and changed the oil with Castrol Synthetic Blend. The engine idled low, at around 550rpm so I turned the idle up around 700. The engine has no knocks or pings but I do get a ticking coming from the distributor area. It also has fairly new Champion 8mm wires. It does rev fine in park but when I drive it, it will strumble and hesitate off idle and around 2500-3500 RPM. What could this be? The truck was sitting for almost 2 years with old gas. Could my fuel filter be causing this? I plan on replacing that soon.

 

It could be a few things, rotor button/distributor cap, fuel pump, or fuel filter. The tick you speak of is a very common thing with the 2.8 and 2.9L I had a bronco with the 2.8 tick for about 4 years, and a ranger with the 2.9 that ticked for about 2 1/2 years. One common problem with these two engines is the manifolds cracking and making a ticking noise, or the gaskets crack and leak exhaust.