Bad reputation for head gaskets?

[Maskyman03]

Hey guys, I’m new to this forum and I recently bought a 92 ranger xlt. My last vehicle was a 1999 Buick century that I replaced due to having bad head gaskets. Right after I bought this ranger a relative commented that these trucks were bad with head gaskets, but that seems to be just due to him having a bad experience with one. I’m not a very mechanic savvy guy so I wanted to ask this forum if these rangers had a bad head gasket reputation or am I just being paranoid, I think I’m just on edge because of my last car but I wanted to get someone more familiar with these things’ advice

 

[rumblecloud]

It would help if you could narrow it down by telling us what engine you have.
Otherwise, you may get an unabridged response covering every available drivetrain combination from 1992.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

No, 1983 thru 2011 Ranger engines never has an issue with head gaskets

The 4.0l OHV would "crack a head" if overheated too much, 2.9l could as well

And any engine can/will blow a head gasket if overheated, that's how head gaskets blow, they get "squished" between over heated head metal and block

Aluminum heads especially, they expand 7 times faster than cast iron when over heated

The moral is DO NOT allow engines to over heat, do NOT "try to make it home", pull over and wait, hours if needed for engine to cool off, but its your money, and NOT the engines fault

The early aluminum head engines, with cast iron blocks were notorious for blown head gaskets, pre-1985 usually, car makers were not using MLS head gaskets so the aluminum head would rub the composite gaskets each time engine was run, cold to warmed up, and repeat
After 20-60k miles the composite gasket would fail
MLS(multi-layer steel) head gaskets allow the aluminum to "slide" and not "rub" so it lasted, live and learn, lol

 

[rumblecloud]

See....I told you so.

 

[bobbywalter]

They don't call them 4 leakers for nothing...

 

[Maskyman03]

Welcome to TRS

No, 1983 thru 2011 Ranger engines never has an issue with head gaskets

The 4.0l OHV would "crack a head" if overheated too much, 2.9l could as well

And any engine can/will blow a head gasket if overheated, that's how head gaskets blow, they get "squished" between over heated head metal and block

Aluminum heads especially, they expand 7 times faster than cast iron when over heated

The moral is DO NOT allow engines to over heat, do NOT "try to make it home", pull over and wait, hours if needed for engine to cool off, but its your money, and NOT the engines fault

The early aluminum head engines, with cast iron blocks were notorious for blown head gaskets, pre-1985 usually, car makers were not using MLS head gaskets so the aluminum head would rub the composite gaskets each time engine was run, cold to warmed up, and repeat
After 20-60k miles the composite gasket would fail
MLS(multi-layer steel) head gaskets allow the aluminum to "slide" and not "rub" so it lasted, live and learn, lol

Thanks! Yes it’s a 4.0 engine

 

[Maskyman03]

See....I told you so.

It’s a 4.0, sorry I should’ve mentioned the engine type

 

[RonD]

Don't allow it to over heat, and thats totally in your control

 

[Eddo Rogue]

The 4.0l is more known for leaking than blowing gaskets. The older years were more prone to cracked heads if overheated.

 

[Maskyman03]

The 4.0l is more known for leaking than blowing gaskets. The older years were more prone to cracked heads if overheated.

Thank you, now are you referring to the heads being known to leak or just the engine is prone to various leaks in general?

 

[RobbieD]

Welcome to TRS, and congrats on getting a Ranger. It's well worth it to stay on top of maintaining your truck's cooling system.

 

[bobbywalter]

Thank you, now are you referring to the heads being known to leak or just the engine is prone to various leaks in general?

4 liter....or 4 leaker?


They leak ....and crack. They had porosity issues early on in the heads ..so if it's running good your likely in great shape..



Not a huge problem, but in my area of flat rustbelt....or in severe terrain Iike steep hills daily, it surfaces, especially in poorly maintained trucks.

The the outer deck rail on the block can vary. I suspect old non ph balanced coolant or no coolant as the primary cause of weakening via corrosion. Usually wicks more then full blow outs.

They can get outer chamber cracks on the heads too.

Weird shit.

Usually never noticed or seen ..unless it's leaking oil into or onto exhaust or the rare excess exhaust is charging block psi....and causing leaks all over...and sooted up gunky engine that's a rattle trap.


Generally speaking not a big deal.... But at this vintage. Make sure the coolant is proper. And the radiator is solid.


The radiators drip slow in the heat cycle, and little evidence of puddling....then you get an air bubble and the temp seems ok...but your cooking and hot spotting...

So look for that drip from the seams....usually up top ....

Creeping death. Very sneaky

 

[rumblecloud]

Well maintained is key. I learned the hard way.
Drove the pi55 out of my 4.0. Did do regular oil changes, but never messed with coolant other than to add "stuff."
The result was an actual hole in the head - I have pictures.

So stay on top of it and you should be ok.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The 4.0L is a good engine, I liked the one I had in a '91 Explorer... the first Explorer I got had a cracked head, hot spot in a cylinder from overheating and mainly a leaking intake manifold gasket that caused the whole mess...

Like said, make sure it holds coolant, keep the coolant at the proper level and if it leaks get it taken care of...

Also, keep the trans in good shape, for good measure get it serviced (and not at jiffy lube...) and keep the fluid looking good, the A4LD gets a bad rap from those that ignore them like they can get away with on some other cars...

 

[racsan]

I loved my 4.0 I would have another.