sad conclusion

[FirstRanger86]

For those who have been following the multiple threads on trying to get my 2.9 running right: I think I'm coming to the realization that my 86 Ranger auction find is running rich because it's burning oil. I've never had a really whipped engine before, can you burn enough oil that the engine stalls if you let off the gas while driving?

It smokes pretty good, and I had convinced myself that it was running rich, while I replaced everything under the hood. Ron had suggested that I check for leaking injectors, so I left the fuel pressure gauge on for 10 mins after running today, and it held 33PSI for 10 and another 10.

I then checked the dipstick and it was about 1/3 way up the cross hatching. I put a new filter on and filled her with oil a couple of months ago, driving maybe 30 miles back and forth, running it to do testing. It really doesn't leak a drop. I haven't pulled any plugs yet, but I'm wondering if it's just burning a massive amount of oil. No smoke at start up, but once it gets a little warm, it's pretty smokey.

 

[adsm08]

Even for only 30 miles I wouldn't rate that as "Massive" oil consumption. The filter can suck up a little more after it is run a bit, your missing 1/3 of a quart might just be in the filter.


Have you tried unpugging the oxygen sensor?

 

[RonD]

Pull the plugs, oil fouling is very easy to see, looks different than fuel fouling(rich)

Heck, if it was sitting for a bit then 1/2 quart of oil would go just to swell the gaskets back up so they can start leaking like a Ford should

 

[jhammel85]

Is it black, white or grey/blue smoke?

 

[FirstRanger86]

Even for only 30 miles I wouldn't rate that as "Massive" oil consumption. The filter can suck up a little more after it is run a bit, your missing 1/3 of a quart might just be in the filter.


Have you tried unpugging the oxygen sensor?

I will try that, but it ran the same way with the old o2 sensor (a bear to get out), and the brand new one.
Any other suggestions? I've fully tuned it up, replaced the fuel filters and pumps, checked the residual pressure on the injectors, done the 02 sensor, disconnected the EGR (and put in 88 B2 computer), disconnected the fuel pressure regulator (with symptoms unchanged).

Thanks a ton.

Ron - LOL! It's true, it hasn't leaked -- yet.

JH - I would call it a grey, the scanner just calls it "rich." I've smelled bad oil burners on the road before, this smells more like unburned fuel, but hell, not sure.