need guidance

[85ranger]

Hey all,i need help

I just got my first truck,an 85 ranger v6 2wd,automatic.it has 140 000 km and runs great but it leaks a lot of oil. Im totally new to owning a truck and know nothing about mechanics. If anyone can offer me any suggestions or good resources for me to learn from i would really appreciate it. Also,if any of you can tell me which years of Ranger motor/parts would work in my 85 Ranger without modification,that would be great.

Basically if you can tell me anything about 1985 Rangers..Im listening !

thx for your time,

[85_Ranger4x4]

The valve covers and distributer o-ring are the easy leaks to fix. The oil pan gasket and possibly the crank seals are leaking on mine as well, they require the engine to be removed to fix them. If I pull my engine out it won't be going back in so I try to stay on top of its level and keep it up and give me as much time to work on the 289 before it kicks as I can.

The 2.8 was used up until 1985, the fuel injected 2.9 replaced it in 1986.

There is more about it in the tech library here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_8L_Performance.html

[RobbieD]

Welcome aboard, 85ranger. I have an '84 2.8L truck that leaked a lot when I got it. I greatly reduced the oil consumption (and mess) by replacing the valve cover gaskets. Like the previous poster said, they're not too hard to replace.

[arrabil]

Buy the Chilton's guide and start by doing everything in the first chapter.

[JohnnyO]

Could also be the rear main seal, which requires removing the transmission to replace it. #1 rule in auto repair, if you're not sure where the problem is, start with the cheapest alternative first.

[MAKG]

Naw, that's #2. #1 is to do a visual and identify where the problem is BEFORE taking anything apart. Clean it up and drive it around the block if you have to.

Don't be afraid to grab a flashlight and/or a paper towel/shop rag and isolate the FRESH oil coming out of the engine.