New to me 90 ranger some questions

[eliteconcept]

Hi all,
I just recently bought a 1990 2.9 L supercab ranger automatic with only 68,000 original miles (have car fax prove miles). I bought this truck just as a beater work truck for around the house, probably won't put more than 300-400 miles on it a year. Picking up things from Lowes hauling away lawn waste, etc. Just wondering what type of maintenance items I should do to make sure this thing runs until the body ends up falling apart on me. I used to own a 92 explorer 4.0 this engine seems similar to that but not the same.

I stated with of course an oil and filter change and new air filter.
I am also in the process of flushing and cleaning the coolant, coolant was a very nasty shade of greenish/brown/tan

I will probably also change out the spark plugs here soon as well.
What other maintenance items might I consider doing on this engine? Def not looking to put much $$ into this truck considering I only paid $900 for it.

Also
The engine on the drivers side has some oil on the lower part of it, from my reading the valve cover gasket is a common issue. Considering the low milage is it possible that the valve cover bolts are just loose? I plan on giving the engine a good washing off to see where the oil is leaking from and maybe try to tighten the bolts then once its clean. thoughts on this? is the valve cover gasket just bad and something I'll have to deal with? I'm def not replacing it, see comment above about not dropping much into this beater.

other comments or suggestions on things i can do to help keep this beast in tip top shape for little $$ I'd appreciate it.
Thanks

 

[Snoranger]

Hi all,
I just recently bought a 1990 3.9 supercab ranger automatic

No you didnt....

 

[eliteconcept]

sorry 2.9 L, nice to see your so welcoming

 

[Snoranger]

sorry 2.9 L, nice to see your so welcoming

I only had a minute to type a response.


With how little you plan on using it, I'd install a battery tender. I'd make sure to use fuel stabilizer, this ethanol blended crap doesnt last long.

 

[chrwilkins30]

If its a valve cover gasket you might as well just replace them. They are pretty cheap and you'll be spending more on oil that it is to replace them. Even if your only using the vehicle 3-400mi's a year.

 

[eliteconcept]

THanks guys
From what I've initially read on the valve cover gasket it looks like it can be a real PITA since the truck has AC GRRRRR :| maybe I'll read a bit more, or seach for a step by step tutorial, maybe you guys have one you can point me too????

I will plan to at least start the truck / at least try to take it around the block once a week just to keep everything in check.

Thanks for the suggestions so far