2.3 liter 4 banger ????s

[sgt snafu]

1.Well it looks like I got to get the head done on my '85 Ranger motor, just wondering what you guys figure the going rate is to do a basic rebuild on the head?

2. My trans doesnt want to go into reverse anymore. I really got to fight it in. Anybody got any idea what is going on there? I noticed some leakage in the clutch reservior but not bad, Ive heard these are a problem, could that be it?

 

[mudnsnow]

or your trans problem, try to put it in gear before starting the engine. If reverse engage with no problem, trans is ok, it's probably because your clutch dosn't fully disengage(oil leak etc)

 

[Mark_88]

I paid a shop $400+ to do mine...but I had the original head magnafluxed and they found a few cracks that were irrepairable so I had to also buy a replacement head...I'd make sure you have that done if they don't advise it upfront...

I'd also agree with mudnsnow...if the tranny shifts with the motor off then either you're leaking plenty of clutch fluid or the clutch is not engagin properly...and I'd recommend a close inspection of the floorboards and the firewall around the clutch...I had one so badly rotted that the clutch was actually being pushed through the wall...if you're in the salt belt then that's something to keep an eye on regardless...

just noticed you're truck is listed as a 96 so it shouldn't be a problem...or do you have two of them?

 

[sgt snafu]

I have a '96 Ranger 2wd thats my daily driver and a '85 Ranger drive train in my Rat that is pictured in the avitar. Spoke to the machine shop today, they said it was $350 to do the valve job, seats, guides and deck the head. They didnt mention magnafluxing the head. Should I do it? Is it common for these heads to crack?. Also the trans doesnt get reverse to easily when the motors off? It is a play vehicle so as long as I got forward gears im ok with it. Ill play with it tonight and see if it I can get reverse with the motor off. As far as anything hitting the floor boards, the trans is exposed in the cockpit. Your leg lays right up against it.

 

[Mark_88]

I wouldn't let them go ahead on the valves without testing the head for other cracks. The heads do crack and I've had at least two of them that were beyond repair. If you didn't experience overheating then it should be OK, but testing it doesn't cost that much and they'll usually do it free as a precaution. If you just ask them to test it without doing the valve work then they usually charge you for the test (I think I paid $45 to test one head).

If the tranny won't go into gear with the engine off then you may have to repair/replace that also...the M5OD five speed is a good tranny...I've got almost 400,000 on mine and other than the clutch going through the floorboards it has been shifting great...I did put some of that TransMedic stuff into it a few years ago...and I did find plenty of metal filings on the drain plug when I changed the fluid...which reminds me...I need to do that again before I start driving it...

Let us know how it turns out...

 

[sgt snafu]

Thanx Mark!!!