help for my 85 ranger, can an 83 2.8 go in?

[janstorm]

Well I think I need an engine swap. I ran with no antifreeze, just sodium silicate and let the thing sit too long. The block has plenty of rust and I think that's why my temp. gauge never read real high (rust being an insulator) Any how the block seems too rust filled, the intake manifold was clogged shut in a couple of places, the carb flanges are cracked and white mayo is in the valve covers. So can the rust be reamed from the block in place? I have a free 83 engine I can have but its a standard and I like my auto 4ald(after disconnecting the lock up solenoid).http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_bounceblue.gif

 

[kimcrwbr1]

The engine is the same. How many miles does the 83 have I would put a high volume oil pum in it and change the valve guide seals before you put it in especially if it has high miles. Depending on if your truck has the thermostat on the intake manifold you may need to change the manifold over. If you are gonna change it out you might want to take the knock sensor off first so you dont break it they are sensitive and not so easy to find somtimes. But yea it is the same engine you just need to change the flywheel over and possibly put a new rear main seal on the engine and oil pump seal on the tranny while you have it apart. Also put all new gaskets on everything before you put the engine in just for s$@*ts and giggles. Also check the egr exhaust ports on the heads when you have the intake manifold off mine were completely plugged with carbon you will see when you have the manifold off.

 

[adsm08]

That 83 engine should just bolt right in place. You can unbolt that 5 speed from it and keep your auto trans.

 

[janstorm]

punting

Thanks for the good information. It now looks like I'll keep the 85 engine in place due to time and energy constraints. It maybe wishful thinking, but the smoke coming from the oil filler cap and dipstick I'm thinking, could be due to the clogged egr ports in the intake manifold. I'll save the 83 engine for a rainy day. So now my plan is to unclog and mill the cylinder heads, new gaskets. Take off the bed and clean the sludge from the gas tank. Weld the carb flanges shut/reattach one. Get a new radiator and drive into the sunset. I may drill out the hot spots in the heads if I find that thread again. Thanks again. Jan

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Look for a ridge on the cylinder walls while you have the heads off check the heads for warp before you have them milled and put new valve guide seals in and check the valve guides for slop. If the egr ports are plugged it is probably valve guide seals and the heads are probably ok just lap the valves put in new seals you should be fine as long as there is no ridge on the cylinders.

 

[janstorm]

milling heads

my head gasket looked ok to me, yet water got into the oil somewhere which makes me think the heads should be milled and checked for cracks. Also I wonder if a ring is stuck. I heard soaking the rings in place by pouring kerosene, hot white vinegar or trans fluid into the cylinders works. There is no ridge,or scratches on the piston cylinder walls, thankfully.