1986 Ford Ranger 2.0 Idle/Stalling Problem Help!

[Robert_1967]

I think when you seen the rust in the chamber on the head, you should had it checked for a crack, there is a kit you can buy at the autoparts store that you can do to checks for leaks, you just have to clean the head really good.

also it could be all the oil in the intake and exhaust from the rebuilt that is burning out.

 

[ianthegreat]

Just had it idling for about 15-20 minutes with no over heating! I can immediately tell it isn't over heating because the radiator, hoses, and valve cover are moderately warm/hot.. not on fire like before. Temp never went past 145. Was running perfectly fine.

I could have probably driven it, but don't want to chance anything yet. Hopefully whatever went right stays that way.





When I go back to page 13 and look at those 3 head bolts that were rusted and/or oiled up, it makes me think there had to be some kind of leak. If the head bolts were torqued all the way down, and the head completely sealed to the block, there shouldn't be anyway coolant or oil gets into the threads - right?

Update: 2:19pm - Took it for a drive around the block.. not overheating at all. About 20% of the time there is some white smoke from the exhaust but it evaporates immediately. Other than that, it is running fine. I'll get a little more brave later on and drive it for a few miles. Excited!!

 

[flaminranger]

my mustang has a 351 in it and the upper radiator hose is above the filler neck on the radiator and it cavitates(air pocket)if I pull the intake or remove that hose and drain the water out of it then it over heats when I start it.
The fix is too let the engine get to the max heat without hurting the motor then shut it down and let it cool down so it sucks the water out of the overflow tank until it empties it. Next top the overflow off and it is good to go.
I said all that to say this; it probably had air in the head and it started overheating when you shut it down, it sucked water into the head as it cooled down so when you restarted it there was no more air pocket and everything is probably good to go.
Just keep an eye on it.
Duane

 

[ianthegreat]

my mustang has a 351 in it and the upper radiator hose is above the filler neck on the radiator and it cavitates(air pocket)if I pull the intake or remove that hose and drain the water out of it then it over heats when I start it.
The fix is too let the engine get to the max heat without hurting the motor then shut it down and let it cool down so it sucks the water out of the overflow tank until it empties it. Next top the overflow off and it is good to go.
I said all that to say this; it probably had air in the head and it started overheating when you shut it down, it sucked water into the head as it cooled down so when you restarted it there was no more air pocket and everything is probably good to go.
Just keep an eye on it.
Duane

You know what. I find it really funny that when I released the pressure top on the new radiator cap (a little red tab/switch), the overflow tank would fill and it released the air also. After restarting the engine, it would suck the remaining water from the overflow tank. Needless to say, I have not had a problem since. That could very well have been part of the overheating problem.

I went for about a 30 minute drive through the neighborhood yesterday

 

[RangerFabWorks]

awesome man.

go chirp some rubber for us.

remember, a (lot) of throttle and a (lot) of clutch action will get those tire(s) chirping

 

[ianthegreat]

awesome man.

go chirp some rubber for us.

remember, a (lot) of throttle and a (lot) of clutch action will get those tire(s) chirping

NOT A CHANCE

I will baby this truck for a couple weeks until I feel comfortable that I won't have to go through this all again! Oh and the white smoke disappears after it warms up. I think it's running perfect! I know a lot of you will be happy this thread will die once and for all.

Thank you all so much for the help, obviously I could not have done this without the support, knowledge, and great people this forum provides. I'll get a video of it running in the next few days

 

[briansz]

As somebody who has more or less rebuilt their entire damn truck as well, here's to you. It's pretty satisfying when you finally get things working. Sometimes it's almost hard to believe <lol>.

 

[JibbaJibba56]

NOT A CHANCE

I will baby this truck for a couple weeks until I feel comfortable that I won't have to go through this all again! Oh and the white smoke disappears after it warms up. I think it's running perfect! I know a lot of you will be happy this thread will die once and for all.

Thank you all so much for the help, obviously I could not have done this without the support, knowledge, and great people this forum provides. I'll get a video of it running in the next few days

As a follower of this thread strictly for observation, I think this one should be filed as a sticky. What an EPIC battle with some great pics and troubleshooting all around. This really shows what a good forum TRS is. Cheers to you for getting it going!

 

[Mark_88]

You know what. I find it really funny that when I released the pressure top on the new radiator cap (a little red tab/switch), the overflow tank would fill and it released the air also. After restarting the engine, it would suck the remaining water from the overflow tank. Needless to say, I have not had a problem since. That could very well have been part of the overheating problem.

I went for about a 30 minute drive through the neighborhood yesterday

Hopefully that will last for a long time..."

 

[dangerranger83]

The steam coming out of your exhaust is normal. My truck does it, my dads does it, every vehicle I know does it in the cold.

Now its time to do other upgrades to the truck!!!!!!!

 

[ianthegreat]

My last and final post in this thread. What a crazy journey! Going into this not knowing common tools let alone a single thing about engine mechanics really gives you that feeling of accomplishment when the job is finished.

A short cliff for those just hopping in this thread:
1. Purchased the truck in Dallas and drove it about 300 miles to Houston. No major issues other than a loose throttle cable.
2. Started daily driving the truck for about 2 weeks when one day it had a rough start and wouldn't idle. Had to keep the engine revved.
3. Started researching ranger forums.. a la therangerstation.com
4. Created this thread after a bit of research.
5. Went through vac lines, replaced spark plugs, wires, and eventually replaced the carb.
6. Idle issue fixed, but engine started overheating.
7. Over a period time.. replaced the radiator, water pump, water outlet, two thermostats at diff temperatures, egr valve, re-ran all new coolant hoses, cleaned out heater core.
8. Same problem - no signs of coolant/oil mixing.
9. Started process of replacing all gaskets on top half of the motor and painting the engine.
10. Removed carb, then intake manifold - powerwashed, cleaned, painted.
11. Removed the head - powerwashed everything and cleaned. Removed lots of sludge and rust inside coolant tracts.
12. Camshaft on head, cylinder walls and pistons on block looked in good shape.
13. Powerwashed coolant tracts in block, replaced head gasket.
14. Began rebuilding.
15. Replaced exhaust manifold gasket. Replaced valve cover gasket and painted.
16. Reinstalled new radiator, cleaned out overflow bucket.
17. Installed new tach, and coolant temperature gauge.
17. Everything back assembled.
18. SUCCESS!

After the engine was running properly I began gutting the interior. Afterall, I needed a respectable daily driver that wasn't going to grease my slacks!

- Ripped out all the carpet
- Removed the bench seat
- Removed the cracked and faded dash.
- Removed all the air/heater pipe/ducting and cleaned and caulked.
- Removed the instrument panel and cleaned.
- Ordered new carpet from JCWhitney and new dashpad cover from LMCTruck

These last few pictures are mainly interior shots and show the completed project. To say I didn't have a great time would be a lie. I owe a hell of a lot the members here on therangerstation, especially a few of you.

Removing Carpet

New Carpet and Fresh Cab Paint

Seat Back In

Trim Pieces

Dashpad Cover Prep

AND ALL FINISHED!

Thanks Ranger Station!

 

[RangerFabWorks]

ian, that is looking great


im glad this story had a happy ending.

i hope i was of at least a little help to you.


hope you stay on here even just to hang out.


now go out and enjoy that truck man

 

[ianthegreat]

While I didn't want to single out anyone specific, because MANY have provided a lot of help. I couldn't have done it without you blackwidow, Mark, and dangerranger. Cheers.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

While I didn't want to single out anyone specific, because MANY have provided a lot of help. I couldn't have done it without you blackwidow, Mark, and dangerranger. Cheers.

were all glad to help

 

[jjwlff]

Allow me to continue this thread with my new 1985 Ford Ranger 2.0. I just bought the Ranger and drove it 50 miles to my house without any serious problems. Its a clunker though. Runs rough as hell and idles rough. Like I said drove it and it made it's way here. It passed test #1. No smoke, no knocking, just really rough.

Its a dirty little engine man. I mean dirty. I thought about dropping another engine in it, but I decided to try to revive this one. Mostly for fuel economy and ease of repair. So far, the pics are here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46967260@N05/

I know, I know. Its dirty. The carb is like that. No air filter. All exposed

I want to clean it up first. I am really excited to get this engine TRANSFORMED!!!! I want to start cleaning it up. Should I go in with a water hose or power washer? If so, what do I cover up? I want to get new plug&wires, oil changed, K&N air filter KIT, ect. Maybe get the engine painted good. I really want to get a new carb on it. Anyone against an Edelbrock Performer???? Is that too much money to spend(about $265)??

Would it be easier to take the engine out or that wouldnt be neccessary. Let me know. Look forward to the transformation

Thanks guys and I look forward to everyone's help including RangerDanger83, Mark88, and even you ianthegreat.