Rebuilt Advised For '96 Ranger

[gpateire]

Good Evening Everyone,

I have a '96, 4 Cylinder with 140k miles on it. About a year ago, it overheated and I changed out the water pump from coolant leakage. After the overheat, I took it to two mechanics who told me I had low compression in the 3rd cylinder (with code 0303 from OBDII reader).

Now a year later, it has a rough idle, is hard to start, blows a ton of white smoke out the tail pipe when I start it up, and drinks up way too much coolant in a short period of time. I was advised by several that I needed to get a newer engine (whether it be used or a rebuilt). A valve job was suggested, but I was told I could have that done and it still might not fix all the issues.

I'm wondering what everyone thinks would be the best way to approach this situation, what the average cost I should expect to pay for parts & labor, and any other information you might advise.

I was glad to hear The Ranger Station will be staying up after all the support. I'm not one to post since most of you know a lot more than I do, but I swear by this forum to be a wonderful source of information. Happy Holidays/New Year everyone. I look forward to your responses.

Gavin in San Diego
P.S. Let me know if there's any additional information I can provide that would be helpful.

 

[Ozwynn]

engine for engine a swap is not difficult, just find an identical engine and go through it before installing it ........ maybe some new gaskets and a new head gasket ....... perfect opportunity for a 2.3L turbo swap ............

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

id start with a wet and dry compression test to see what kind of condition the bottom end is in. if it seems tight, id pull the head off and see whats up. overheating usually leads to something simple like a blown head gasket or cracked head, which doesnt require the entire engine to be replaced. 140K isnt really THAT many miles for the bottom end...but its the perfect time to freshen the top end up.

 

[Ranger44]

I would really doubt that the valves are in any kind of bad shape. Mine was pulled and checked at 138K and the valves seated VERY well.

My guess would be a blown head gasket. 2.3 Heads rarely crack, but they do.

I would follow what wickedsludge has said. Get your compression tests done, then pull the head. If the gasket is damaged.....it should be obvious.

Take the head down to a machine shop and have it checked for straightness, and magnafluxed for cracks. They usually crack right between the valve seats, and you can usually see the crack with the naked eye. Just knida give the rest of the head a good once over, look for pits on the cam, etc.

Also check the block for straightness. Make sure both surfaces are very clean. Use new head bolts, and a good quality head gasket. Torque to spec, good to go.