I have a 98 Ranger that over the last year has started leaking oil to the point where I'm putting 5 liters in a week. I had saw on another forum called ExplorerForum about a company that sells rebuilt engines in NJ for like $2600. Does anyone think it's worth trying to fix the oil leak or do I just get a new motor? If so does anyone have any recommendations for motord about the same price and somewhere near Philadelphia?
Welcome to TRS
Yes, what engine is in your 1998 Ranger, there were 3 options in 1998, 2.5l 4cyl, 3.0l or 4.0l V6
In general your description describes a rear main seal leak, it pumps out oil pretty fast when engine is running, and it comes out of the back of the engine where bell housing is bolted to the engine
Part to fix it is under $20, but transmission does need to be pulled out/back to get access to replace it, so a bit of labor involved
If this is the issue then no, do not get a new engine, as you would have to pull the transmission to install the new engine anyway
As for expense of a rebuilt/new engine, that would depend on the condition of the 1998 Ranger
If you think it will last 5 more years with no other major repairs then $2,600 / 60 months = $43 a month to drive it for 5 more years
Major repair cost doesn't have anything to do with the value of a vehicle, I read that alot, "its only worth $2,000, why spend $2,500 to fix it"
Well if its broken then its probably not even worth the $2,000, lol, but thats not the point either
Its a judgement call in how long
you think you can continue to drive the vehicle after the repair without other major costs
In this case $43/month wouldn't get much as a car payment for another vehicle, lol
But if you think it is the rear main seal and you can do the work of dropping transmission then it would cost $20 to fix