Is the family relic worth saving?

[Rhinthon]

My father has his father's 1996 Mazda B3000, Vulcan engine, automatic transmission, RWD. Unfortunately the original owner developed dementia at around 250,000 miles and my father has a habit of neglecting vehicles to death in his driveway. Currently the truck has no coolant, I've yet to identify the leak. My father made the issue worse by filling the radiator with extremely hard tap water and unknown antifreeze. He also reports a lack of power steering and air conditioning. Oil is present in the engine, I disagree with my father's belief that it is significantly leaking oil. Body shows no rust, chassis doesn't have anything obvious either. I have not been able to drive the machine, but there are no reports of brake or suspension problems. He occasionally talks about selling the poor machine to some even poorer bastard, but has also agreed to let me drive the thing whenever I like should I fix it.

As for me, I could use a compact pickup on occasion and want to learn more about car repair. Replacing the AC compressor on my Buick Verano seems rather more complicated than anything this truck appears to need. I took some pictures from my moderately informed inspection and would like better opinions before loading the parts cannon.

Radiator cap showing what I believe to be rust and the remains of coolant.

Sad tank where the coolant should be. My father claims "the heater core has blown and the truck runs like shit" but did not know this reservoir even existed.

Various views of filth under the engine and transmission. I'm told this is likely "under spray," oil applied to deter salt from corroding the vehicle.

My current plan is to get a new thermostat and fill the radiator with distilled water in hopes of identifying the leak. I'm willing to replace the radiator and coolant lines, but the water pump & seal will be another matter. If and when I upgrade from air cooling to Ford's intentions I'll replace the power steering reservoir, AC clutch (love how it's separate from the compressor!), idler pulley and belt. Fuel system will get some attention, will run the tank near to dry and replace the fuel filter. Maybe run add some voodoo liquids if recommended. I'm willing to excuse a slightly dumb decision as a learning experience.

But... am I missing something? Is this machine worse than I think and some money pit waiting for a fool?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

All depends on rust.

No rust? Save.

Severe rust or cancer? Don't save.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

All depends on rust.

No rust? Save.

Severe rust or cancer? Don't save.

Rusts never stopped me.


Change the radiator, flush the block, cap the heater core off (for now), fill it up with coolant, change the oil, and see where youre at.

They are always worth saving.

 

[rumblecloud]

Did you happen to take a pic of the exterior that you could post?
I'd be all in on saving it.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Rusts never stopped me.


Change the radiator, flush the block, cap the heater core off (for now), fill it up with coolant, change the oil, and see where youre at.

They are always worth saving.

I only commented about the rust because I cannot do body work to save myself.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I only commented about the rust because I cannot do body work to save myself.

I don't think rusty can either...

That cooling system is going to be a mess. You will need to flush and flush the engine out. Replacing a water pump shouldn't be too bad if that is all it needs.

I would fill with water and try to run the thing to see where all it is leaking and to see how well it runs.

If it runs ok continue on, if it is has a massive headgasket leak regroup on proceeding etc.

 

[Jazzer]

Welcome to TRS!

I’m in the “Save” camp. Rusty ole ranger gave you good advice above.

I’d remove the lower radiator hose and pour water through the reservoir to flush it and see if it’s clogged. Might need another engine at that mileage but rust free is a unicorn.

 

[djfllmn]

agree on save

 

[pjtoledo]

mechanical parts are easily replaced. rust is a slow death sentence.
if it ain't rusty save it.

show us some pics under the bed, include the cross members.

 

[Rhinthon]

It'll probably be Wednesday before I can get pictures, but the body paint is fine and the chassis more paint than rust. No bubbling cancer that I can recall.

 

[Rhinthon]

I don't think rusty can either...

That cooling system is going to be a mess. You will need to flush and flush the engine out. Replacing a water pump shouldn't be too bad if that is all it needs.

I would fill with water and try to run the thing to see where all it is leaking and to see how well it runs.

If it runs ok continue on, if it is has a massive headgasket leak regroup on proceeding etc.

Distilled water every time I assume?

Oh, the truck does start. Needed a new battery last time, and I'll run a compression test for fun eventually, but she's alive.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Distilled water every time I assume?

Oh, the truck does start. Needed a new battery last time, and I'll run a compression test for fun eventually, but she's alive.

Until you clean the cooling system out I don't think it really matters what you put in it.

 

[JoshT]

Sounds like typical owner neglect (intentional or not) and could probably be fixed with a few easy parts and some TLC. I'm generally in the save camp, and it sounds fairly easy from this side of the screen.

That said, before I did anything, I would need to get this clarified.

He occasionally talks about selling the poor machine to some even poorer bastard, but has also agreed to let me drive the thing whenever I like should I fix it.

No offense to you or your family, but I can see this going very bad for you. Every move you make is a hit on your pocket and increasing value of truck from its current condition. Given your dad's level of understanding on the maintenance, it's very likely he also won't understand the amount of work or money you are putting into it. Are you going to fix it so you can use it just to turn around it be sold out from under you. Not suggesting that he would do that out of spite, but if he gets an offer that sounds good to him and let's it go without understanding what's been put in...

The only way I'd progress with fixing it is if it became your truck, and let him borrow when ever he would like. That way you are not throwing away your money for something that may be gone when you need it.

Once that was settled, clean and flush the cooling system first. If the leak isn't major, test to make sure compression is good, head gaskets not bad from overheating. Probably good, but no point throwing a cooling system at it if the engine is bad. If good thoroughly flush cooling system, then replace radiator. Would be a good time to install new radiator hoses. While radiator is out is the perfect time to replace water pump if it is needed.

Everything else just looks like cleaning needed.

 

[JoshT]

Distilled water every time I assume?

Oh, the truck does start. Needed a new battery last time, and I'll run a compression test for fun eventually, but she's alive.

I'd do tap water for initial flushing and testing. Then distilled on last flush, and filling with coolant. You're going to be running a lot of water through that before it gets clean.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

It'll probably be Wednesday before I can get pictures, but the body paint is fine and the chassis more paint than rust. No bubbling cancer that I can recall.

Save. Zero doubt.

The people here can walk you thru about anything.

Get a Haynes and chiltons manual on your truck. Electrical and vacuum guides if you can find em.

3.0l Vulcan engines are a dime a dozen if you need em. Head gaskets are easy. Coolant systems are easy.

Harbor freight tools work fine. Ask us if you need advice. Between all of us here, we probably own every tool harbor freight and princess auto has ever sold.

Welcome to Ranger ownership. They're fun little trucks.