rough running ram50 1989 2.6 carb

[xboxrox]

My spark is also orange color ~ except for the ballast resistor ~ my truck has all new ignition parts including the ignition module inside the distributor & new coil, cap, rotor, plugs, wires ALL new ~ not done all the ground cable cleaning tho (battery post ground is clean)

My engine backfired twice 1st time ever today going up the Koolau mountains Eastbound on the H3 Fwy to Kailua from Pearl Harbor ~ traffic was also fighting really strong Easterly winds about 40 to 50 MPH ~ had to put the truck in 3rd gear WOT to maintain 55 MPH speed, normally it can make it to the Harano Tunnel in 4th gear ~ the gas tank is 1/4 full with 2 bottles of CATACLEAN added ~ Google says backfire can be caused by a lean fuel mixture or a bad catalytic converter ~ Google also says a bad or failing O2 sensor can cause backfire ~

I have a new O2 sensor on hand ~

FOR frogzmax ~ Google says:
https://www.autoblog.com/2016/01/11/...oxygen-sensor/

Rough engine idle and misfires ~ As your oxygen sensor is going bad you may notice your vehicle is running rough, misfiring or running irregularly while idling. Since the oxygen sensor output helps control engine timing, combustion intervals, and the air to fuel ratio, a bad sensor can disrupt these engine functions, causing a rough or irregular engine idle.

When to replace the sensor ~ If your vehicle was manufactured within the past 15 years, the oxygen sensor should be replaced every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. This sensor is a wear item and does fail over time. Replacement of a bad or failing oxygen sensor will reduce the level of emissions your vehicle puts into the atmosphere, while keeping your engine running smoothly and properly. As soon as you notice your Check Engine Light, poor gas mileage, or an irregular engine idle, book a service with YourMechanic to have your oxygen sensor replaced. This will ensure your vehicle is running smoothly and efficiently, and will help prolong the life of your engine.