1996 Ranger 2.3l Blown Engine... Good Option?

[jonrood23]

That's what i've been looking into at this point. I've been to the two local pull-a-part's They only want 135 bux for a complete 4 cylinder engine but don't have one that will work for me at this point.... all of the 2.3's are '94 or older. The problem with my engine is It runs but only on two cylinders. Cylinder 1 and 2 have 135 psi on the compression gauge. Cylinder 3 and 4 have zero compression. I took the valve cover off and all valves are moving in the full range of motion so I ruled out a burnt valve. I've also noticed heavy amounts of oil in the pcv system as well as the intake tube and air box so I'm figuring the rings are blown in the two dead cylinders. I was looking at rebuild kits online and the price difference between the years is rediculous. I can get a rebuild kit for an 89-90 2.3 for $399. The 95-97 kit is $695! Why so much more? I priced a re-ring kit at summit racing for $245. Idk if I can get away with just ringing it tho. If it turns out I have to just rebuild couldn't I just buy the earlier year kit? The only difference would be the oil pump correct? Ahhh the options!

 

[scotts90ranger]

they are adjacent cylinders, most likely cause is a blown head gasket between the cylinders, $75 head gasket, $30 timing belt (might as well while the head is off), and while you are there I would suggest valve stem seals ($15), should be able to do it in a weekend in your parking spot.

 

[Duane867]

Bada boom.....

 

[jonrood23]

A blown head gasket is what I had thought at first too but I found no sign of coolant in the oil or oil in the overflow tank. All the excess oil in the intake and pcv system would point to heavy blow-by/bad rings would it not? And when it's running on the two cylinders that will fire it smokes blue a little. I would think that's oil. Any thoughts?

 

[red85]

worn valve guides...

 

[Duane867]

By golly that'll do it too.
The only real way to find the problem with this little monster is to tear her open and have a look.

 

[jonrood23]

yeaaa thanx for all the info I plan on tearing into it today and tomorrow. I'll post my findings.

 

[Duane867]

What'd ya find ?

 

[jonrood23]

Had a small problem in the family that's been taking up some time the last few days... Sorry for the wait. I'm going to yank the head off now. Hopefully it will come off without a problem lol.

 

[Duane867]

we are dealing with Fords here.. nothing goes to plan .. ever...... LOL !

 

[kx1254real]

Yea you should be able to get something from the junkyard for a couple hundred bucks thatll bolt right in, and to rebuild a dual plug 2.3 gets really expensive so just see if you cant find one with low miles that doesnt need much work

 

[Duane867]

Buying one already rebuilt is cheaper then rebuilding your original actually.
Maybe not with shipping though.

 

[myold96]

plug and play