Reputable Mechanic near Tulsa, OK?

[bbbc3]

Hey guys, I just bought an 85 ford ranger 2.8L 4x4 and it looks like I'm not getting anything out of cylinder number two. It gets spark from the plug but when I disconnect the plug wire from the distributor the tone of the engine does not change. Not to mention it runs like crap! I need to check the compression on all of the cylinders to see if the valves need work.

I just got it back from another shop and they put a new distributor cap in it and iginition coil. It just still runs bad and skips. I need a local Tulsa mechanic that can rebuild one of these engines and I don't have to worry about getting burned. Also does anyone know where to buy a completely rebuilt 2.8 if I have to go that route?

Thanks,
Blake

 

[RonD]

2.8l was used in many Ford vehicles starting in 1974, so I would check local wrecking yards, most have probably been scraped by now but you never know until you call.

Yes, a DRY and WET compression test would give you more information, be sure to remove all spark plugs first, and prop open throttle plate, then test all the cylinders, writing down the PSI for each.
After DRY test, pour about a teaspoon of oil in the cylinder and WET test again, write it down, move to next cylinder.
WET test numbers will always be higher, UNLESS you have a bad valve, this is why you do the WET test, and assuming no bad valve the difference in numbers from dry and wet tests tells you the condition of the rings.
Compression test numbers are not as important as the comparison of the numbers from all 6 cylinders, so always write it down.

Call local Machine shops, they are usually who mechanics use to do the rebuild, mechanics pull out the engine, dismantle it and send it off to a machine shop for the rebuild, then re-assemble and re-install it after the rebuild.

Once you get the average machine shop pricing for the 2.8l rebuild you can judge if a mechanic's price is fair for the removal and replacement labor.

Just looking on-line shows rebuilt long block 2.8l engines going for about $1,500 average.
Long block means the heads are included and have been torqued down, short block means no heads included.

 

[bbbc3]

Thanks RonD.

I'm starting to lean toward a completely rebuilt engine with a warrenty and just have a local shop install it. Does anyone see any red flags with this site?
http://www.lowmileageparts.com/1985...P313942.aspx?gclid=CLbVs-Dns78CFXMR7AodAR8Avw

Blake

 

[enjr44]

Thanks RonD.

I'm starting to lean toward a completely rebuilt engine with a warrenty and just have a local shop install it. Does anyone see any red flags with this site?
http://www.lowmileageparts.com/1985...P313942.aspx?gclid=CLbVs-Dns78CFXMR7AodAR8Avw

Blake

Lurk!

 

[bbbc3]

Bump..

Has anyone bought a fully rebuilt 2.8? My truck is at the shop now getting the compression checked. I'm either going to have to put a new set of heads on the truck or buy a rebuilt engine.

 

[RonD]

Well that price seems more than fair, I was seeing $1,500 for rebuilt 2.8l.

Obviously that's not a 2.8l Ford pictured and they mention a timing belt, lol.

Pay by credit card and you have 30 days to dispute charges.

Warranty doesn't cover labor to remove and reinstall, just to replace.

LowMileageParts.com has been registered since 2008, and shows up as Jacksonville, FLA, but not sure where they are located.

Not good reviews here:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/specific_search/lowmileageparts.com

 

[sbsrlewis]

A friend of mine in Choctaw does this type of work and is very reasonable. PM me if you want his number. Depending on where you at in Tulsa area it's going to be around 100 miles from you.

Have you thought about just swapping in a 4.0? Some wiring will/might have to be done but day and night better than the 2.8 or 2.9!


Steve

 

[RonD]

302(5.0l) V8 would be a better swap since you can use a carb and distributor, so no rewiring in that respect with 2.8l vehicle.
The 4.0l swap is limiting since it was only fuel injected and distributorless.

But for either you would have to swap trans, and if 4x4 transfercase

 

[bbbc3]

Well, I just got word back from the shop and it looks like I will be having to replace the engine. My opitions are to install a completely rebuilt engine or have the one in the truck rebuilt.

The 4.0 swap sounds interesting but I'd like to keep my cost low and I definately do not want to mess with the transmission!

I have a feeling this is going to be very costly!! fml..

*Update*

The shop called and their price to completely tear down the engine, hone the cylinders, new pistons, pressure test the heads, completely rebuild with new plugs, oil, coolant and 3 year 36,000 warrenty will cost $4,200......

Speechless!! Not what I was wanting to spend AT ALL!