88 2.0 Engine Swap or Fix

[ltbenji]

Hey Guys

I have an 88 Ranger with the 2.0 I4.
Recently it has started using about a quart of oil every 100 miles. It's not smoking except when it starts. I know the valve guide seals need to be replaced but I think that this much missing oil is more than these seals.

It also uses a noticeable amount of antifreeze. Almost a full jug over the course of a few months.

Any ideas on what to look at for either of these issues?

Last question. Been thinking about an engine swap in this truck.
Would a 2.3 or a 2.5 drop right in? What V6 would be the easiest swap in to the truck?

Thanks

 

[chilsam]

Possible freeze plug , cracked head,head gasket,heater core,radiator and or cap.2.3 & 2.5 will bolt in,sensor's? comp? V6 needs motor mount's tranny bolt pattern is diff and also wiring harness. Hope this help's.

 

[Mark_88]

LOL...^^ that about sums it up...

Does your oil blow out the dipstick tube and spray the booster and under side of the breather (and everything else for that matter)?

Do you get foam frothing out of the various and assorted outlets on the top end, bottom end or both?

This is what happened to mine...it is serious blow-by that I corrected a bit with a head replacement...but it sounds like you've also got a head gasket leak or possible cracked head...did you overheat at some point?

The good news is the 2.3 and 2.5 will bolt in...but you may want to upgrade to FI...

A rebuilt 2.3 stroked to a 2.5 with forged pistons and 30 over bore would be a nice upgrage...still planning to do that with my truck...then TURBO...

You are not alone...

 

[ltbenji]

One more question
Anyone replaced the valve guide seals?
Is this something that can be done in an afternoon?

 

[chilsam]

With the right tools

One more question
Anyone replaced the valve guide seals?
Is this something that can be done in an afternoon?

Air compresser is an absolute.

 

[ltbenji]

And the 2.0 is fuel injected already

 

[Mark_88]

already FI...then you're ahead of the game...valve guides might help...but if you have a cracked head it will only degrade from there...you can swap in a 2.3 head if you can find one...I did that round one but ended up cracking that head with an overheat...

Replacing the head is actually pretty straight forward...but stick with something with 4 plugs and you're probably safe as far as parts swapping...brackets and cooling channels are the same on these engines (up to 91 anyways)...

I have an 89 Mustang head on my 87 2.3 block...

 

[ltbenji]

So just finished the compression test.....
1 120-125
2 120-130
3 90-140
4 110-120

First number dry, second number after squirting some oil in the spark plug hole

My dad says number 3 probably has a bad seal
So....any suggestions for that?

All the spark plugs had some white build up, i assume carbon, ideas?

And I found the oil leak, the pressure switch was leaking a lot.....
Still need to replace the pvc valve.....

 

[RangerSVT]

You can swap the head a lot faster than you can changing the seals...Grab a head from the yard, replace the seals, and swap the head, then start saving for an engine swap. If you want or are after more power, just go for the V8 swap. It's just as involved as swapping a 2.3/2.5 or V6...
SVT

 

[Kenneth S]

The piston rings in the #3 cylinder are bad, that's where your oil is going. You either need to rebuild the engine you have, or find another engine to swap in. In 1988 the 2.0's can either have a carburator, or fuel injection.

 

[chilsam]

2nd that

The piston rings in the #3 cylinder are bad, that's where your oil is going. You either need to rebuild the engine you have, or find another engine to swap in. In 1988 the 2.0's can either have a carburator, or fuel injection.

Swapping the head is a waste of time,bad rings. IMHO