2.3L ('83-'97) 94 ranger, reading cold and rough idle

[Mightyfordranger]

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I happened to find a reply from @RonD for something similar. It’s gotta be head gasket.

Gotta love RonD dudes the shit. Few other guys in here are dang good too.

And that's unfortunate that's alot of work to do a head gasket. Also pull the plugs down one side of the engine if all are equally dirty and ones super clean (think steam clean) then it's likely blown around that cylinder someplace.

 

[CoolMick]

Gotta love RonD dudes the shit. Few other guys in here are dang good too.

And that's unfortunate that's alot of work to do a head gasket. Also pull the plugs down one side of the engine if all are equally dirty and ones super clean (think steam clean) then it's likely blown around that cylinder someplace.

It seems like he’s got a lot of good knowledge to share.

and yeah it stinks but I’m not too bummed about it. I’m looking at it as an opportunity to look for anything else that might need replacing while I’m at it lol. Thanks for the tip and all your helpful responses!

 

[Mightyfordranger]

It seems like he’s got a lot of good knowledge to share.

and yeah it stinks but I’m not too bummed about it. I’m looking at it as an opportunity to look for anything else that might need replacing while I’m at it lol. Thanks for the tip and all your helpful responses!

Not a problem I do what I can. Best of luck to ya. If you do decide to pull the head and stuff post back up we wanna follow along.

 

[CoolMick]

Well, I’ve finally got some results. The head gasket isn’t blown but I’ve got a crack. And gasket for lower intake manifold is busted

 

[CoolMick]

Not sure if anyone is paying attention to this anymore but just to update I got a new cylinder head on and everything clean and put back together! It’s runnin like a top now. Though after all that it’s still either running cold or the temp gauge isnt reading right lol

 

[black_demon69]

Not sure if anyone is paying attention to this anymore but just to update I got a new cylinder head on and everything clean and put back together! It’s runnin like a top now. Though after all that it’s still either running cold or the temp gauge isnt reading right lol

Do you have heat?

 

[rumblecloud]

We're still following. Some of us (me) arnr't that smart, so we just read and learn and follow along.
When I replaced the heads on my Ranger the gentlemen here walked me through it. This is an invaluable resource.
Looks like the crack in the head is big enough to cause the issue, but small enough to not muck up the oil.
Glad you figures that part out.

 

[CoolMick]

Do you have heat?

Yes I have heat

 

[CoolMick]

We're still following. Some of us (me) arnr't that smart, so we just read and learn and follow along.
When I replaced the heads on my Ranger the gentlemen here walked me through it. This is an invaluable resource.
Looks like the crack in the head is big enough to cause the issue, but small enough to not muck up the oil.
Glad you figures that part out.

Agreed! I am an inexperienced DIY mechanic and this has been a great source of info

 

[CoolMick]

A bit earlier I looked at the thermostat housing and discovered that the new gasket I put on on Sunday is completely toasted. It was one that was in my fel-pro head gasket kit. I just picked up a new gasket along with a coolant temp sensor and yet another new thermostat