New Here, 1988 Ranger XLT

[88RangerNate]

Hey everyone,

So I'm embarking on my to-do list here soon and would love to hear if anyone has had to replace the oil pump or main bearings, and if anyone has experience with these in high altitude environments. I'm hearing some valve tap after a trip up the Rockies and suspect low oil pressure stemming from somewhere. I've switched to 87 octane since then as opposed to 85, changed the oil and added some Seafoam, but still getting some inconsistent valve tap and now the oil light is on. Any advice? Any other 88 Rangers in Denver?!

Nathan

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Hey everyone,

So I'm embarking on my to-do list here soon and would love to hear if anyone has had to replace the oil pump or main bearings, and if anyone has experience with these in high altitude environments. I'm hearing some valve tap after a trip up the Rockies and suspect low oil pressure stemming from somewhere. I've switched to 87 octane since then as opposed to 85, changed the oil and added some Seafoam, but still getting some inconsistent valve tap and now the oil light is on. Any advice? Any other 88 Rangers in Denver?!

Nathan

Oil pump is a major job on a 2.9. Easiest to take the engine out and roll it over on a stand.

If you do run seafoam, use rhe spray can, not the liquid. Much better stuff.

Running a catch can on your pcv will help as well.

 

[Uncle Gump]

The first thing I would do is put an oil pressure gauge on it and see what the oil pressure really is.

 

[88RangerNate]

Anyone have any experience replacing the valve lifters on an 88? I'm getting some valve tap. Added some seafoam to the crankcase and have gone about 1500 miles since then. Still starts to tap if the engine gets real warm or if I'm on the highway. Pretty quiet when I'm just driving round town, though.

Also, anyone know of any meetups or events in the Northern Colorado/Denver area?

Nathan

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Anyone have any experience replacing the valve lifters on an 88? I'm getting some valve tap. Added some seafoam to the crankcase and have gone about 1500 miles since then. Still starts to tap if the engine gets real warm or if I'm on the highway. Pretty quiet when I'm just driving round town, though.

Also, anyone know of any meetups or events in the Northern Colorado/Denver area?

Nathan

Put yourself a real mechanical oil pressure gauge on it and see what the oil pressure is.

Valve tap/lifter noise isnt really a concern on 2.9s. They all do it. Its not really a cause for concern as long as its holding good oil pressure.

Ive been on this site for 18 years and can only recall a very small number of 2.9s with actual oil pressure issues. The 2.9 also has a very robust (relativly speaking) bottom end, and with only 85k miles, i doubt you have any real issue,

 

[88RangerNate]

That's great to hear! I'll pick up a gauge and test it out. Thanks!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

That's great to hear! I'll pick up a gauge and test it out. Thanks!

No problem. If you have any more questions or find out you really do have oiling issues, post over on the 2.9 forum where me and a few other rabid 2.9 loyalist hang out and we'll get it solved for ya.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I'm another one of the 2.9 Mafia guys. Paulos and Nez should be around here somewhere as well.

Rusty is certainly the 2.9 Don.

 

[Russella1]

Hey everyone,

I recently took home a beautiful 88 Ranger XLT. 85k, one owner, garage kept. I'll be wrenching on it as best I can. I don't have an extensive background in auto work so I think this site is going to become a valuable resource for me.

Nathan

I just rebuilt my 88 if you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Russell

 

[Russella1]

Anyone every replaced the AC compressor on one of these?

Yes I have replaced one.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Rusty is certainly the 2.9 Don.

Ive been defending the 2.9s honor like its my christian little sister for alotta years now.

Its like ive said before, they may be quirky, tempermental little bastards but they got spunk and attitude.

 

[88RangerNate]

I just rebuilt my 88 if you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Russell

Wow that's a sharp looking truck. Nice work. Turns out the compressor was fine, just needed a new schrader valve. Whew!

 

[bobbywalter]

yeah...those compressors are robust just like the little sewing machine its attatched to. nice brass swashplate shoes in there.. great for on board air.


i am jealous of this one too.... NICE TRUCK....