Introduction
(Ford 2.8L – Timing Gear Shown)
2.8 Liter Specifications |
|
| Engine Family | ‘Cologne’ |
| Engine Displacement | 171cid |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Arrangement of Cylinders | ‘V’ Shape |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.66 x 2.70 |
| Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel System | Carburetor |
| Horsepower | 115 @ 4600rpm |
| Torque | 150 @ 2600rpm |
| Oil Pressure | 40-60psi @ 2000rpm |
Tune Up |
|
| Spark Plug | AWSF-42C |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.044 |
| Ignition Timing | 10 degrees BTDC |
| Firing Order | 1-4-2-5-3-6 |
| Distributor Rotation | Clockwise |
| Valve Clearance Intake | 0.014 |
| Valve Clearance Exhaust | 0.016 |
Capacities |
|
| Oil Capacity With Filter | 5qts |
| Cooling System Capacity (Quarts) | W/AC- 7.2 / W/O AC 7.8 |
Torque Specifications |
|
| Cylinder Head | 70-85 ft-lbs [3-steps (29-40) (40-51) (70-85)] |
| Main Bearing Bolts | 65-75 ft-lbs |
| Rod Bearing Bolts | 19-24 ft-lbs |
| Crank Pulley Bolts | 85-96 ft-lbs |
| Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts | 47-52 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold | 15-18 ft-lbs [5-steps (hand start & snug) (3-6) (6-11) (11-15) (15-18) (Repeat 15-18 after warm up)] |
| Exhaust Manifold | 20-30 ft-lbs |
Valve Specifications |
|
| Seat Angle Degree | 45 |
| Face Angle Degree | 44 |
| Spring Test Pressure | 143lbs @ 1.22in |
| Spring Installed Height | 1.58-1.61in |
| Stem-to-Clearance Intake | 0.0008-0.0025in |
| Stem-to-Clearance Exhaust | 0.0018-0.0035in |
| Stem Diameter Intake | 0.3159-0.3167in |
| Stem Diameter Exhaust | 0.3149-0.3156in |
Crankshaft Specifications |
|
| Main Bearing Journal Diameter | 2.2433-2.2441in |
| Main Bearing Oil Clearance | 0.0008-0.0015in |
| Shaft End-play | 0.004-0.008in |
| Thrust on No. | 3 |
Connecting Rod |
|
| Journal Diameter | 2.1252-2.1260in |
| Oil Clearance | 0.0006-0.0016in |
| Side Clearance | 0.004-0.011in |
| Length | 5.1386-5.1413in |
Piston & Ring Specifications |
|
| Piston to Bore Clearance | 0.0011-0.0019in |
| Ring Side Clearance Top Compression | 0.0020-0.0033in |
| Ring Side Clearance Bottom Compression | 0.0020-0.0033in |
| Ring Side Clearance Oil Control | Snug |
| Ring Gap Top Compression | 0.015-0.023in |
| Ring Gap Bottom Compression | 0.015-0.023in |
| Ring Gap Oil Control | 0.015-0.023in |
Motorcraft 2150A Carburetor Specifications |
|
| Choke Pulldown Setting | .136 |
| Fast Idle Cam Setting 1984 | V-notch |
| Fast Idle Cam Setting 1985 | Hi-Cam |
| Dechoke Setting | .250 |
| Float Setting (Wet) | .810 |
| Float Setting (Dry) | 7/16″ (1984) 1/16″ (1985) |
| Accelerator Pump Lever Location | #4 |
| Choke Cap Setting | V-notch (1984) 3NR (1985) |
| Fast Idle | 3000rpm |
Firing Order 1-4-2-5-3-6 / Distributor Rotation – Clockwise
Known Problems
Valve Seals – The 2.8L’s are known to burn oil and smoke when they get high mileage. They use a rubber valve seal that deteriorates and leaks oil into the cylinder. Click HERE for information on replacing the valve seals.
Loose Distributor – The distributor bolt can come loose allowing the distributor to move and change the timing. If the engine suddenly starts running bad and you suspect a fuel or timing problem, first check to make sure the distributor isn’t loose.
Loose Distributor Rotor – Some of the Ford 2.8’s came with round distributor rotors. These have (2) screws that hold them in place. There have been reports of them coming loose in the distributor. Click HERE for more information.
TFI Failure – If your truck stops running and wont restart, it could be from a faulty TFI. Click HERE for more information.
Related Articles
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Fuel Injection For Your 2.8L Ford Ranger
200 Horsepower From Ford 2.8 Liter V6
Remote Mounted TFI Ignition Module
Ford EEC-IV/TFI-IV Electronic Engine Control Troubleshooting
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About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford Ranger off-road and enthusiast space. In 2019, he was loaned a Ranger FX4 by Ford Motor Company to test and document across the TransAmerica Trail. Jim continues to inspire and guide Ranger owners around the world.