(Ford Ranger Mazda-Perkins Diesel)
(Turbo Diesel Shown)
The Ranger was introduced in mid-1982 for the 1983 model year and had an available 4-cylinder 59 hp 2.2 L Mazda/Perkins diesel. In 1985, a Mitsubishi-built 2.3 L turbodiesel with 86 hp replaced the Mazda diesel engine. The diesels were no longer an option after 1987. These Rangers are rare now, but a few seem to be showing up now on ebay and other classifieds (2008) likely due to the high gas prices and need for better fuel economy.
NOTE: Also check out 1983-1987 Ford Ranger Diesel Options
| Engine Identification | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vin Code (8th digit in VIN) |
Engine Size | Cylinders | Manufacturer |
| P | 2.2 | 4 | Toyo Kogo |
| E | 2.3 | 4 | Mitsubishi |
| General Engine Specifications | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Engine | Horsepower & Torque | Bore x Stroke (in.) | Compression Ratio | Oil PSI (@ 2000 rpm) |
| 1983 | 2.2 | 59 @ 4000 / 90 @ 2500 | 3.50 x 3.50 | 22:1 | 51(3) |
| 1984 | 2.2 | 59 @ 4000 / 90 @ 2500 | 3.50 x 3.50 | 22:1 | 51(3) |
| 1985 | 2.3 | 86 @ 4200 / 134 @ 2000 | 3.59 x 3.54 | 21:1 | 11.4(4) |
| 1986 | 2.3 | 86 @ 4200 / 134 @ 2000 | 3.59 x 3.54 | 21:1 | 11.4(4) |
| 1987 | 2.3 | 86 @ 4200 / 134 @ 2000 | 3.59 x 3.54 | 21:1 | 11.4(4) |
Notes:
(3) @ 3600 rpm
(4) @ idle
| Tune-Up Specifications | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Engine | (warm) Valve Clearance Intake (in.) | (warm) Valve Clearance Exhaust (in.) | Timing ATDC | Injection Nozzle Pressure (psi) | Idle Speed (rpm) | Cranking Compression Pressure (psi) |
| 1983 | 2.2 | 0.012 | 0.012 | 2 | 1957 | 700 | 427(2) |
| 1984 | 2.2 | 0.012 | 0.012 | 2 | 1957 | 700 | 427(2) |
| 1985 | 2.2 | 0.010 | 0.010 | (1) | 1707 | (1) | 384(3) |
| 1986 | 2.2 | 0.010 | 0.010 | (1) | 1707 | (1) | 384(3) |
| 1987 | 2.2 | 0.010 | 0.010 | (1) | 1707 | (1) | 384(3) |
Notes:
(1) See Underhood Sticker
(2) At 200 rpm
(3) At 250 rpm
===
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| Capacities | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Engine | Manual Transmission (pts) | Auto Transmission (qts) | Transfer Case (pts) | Front Axle (pts) | Rear Axle (pts) | Fuel (gal) | Cooling WO/AC (qts) | Cooling W/AC (qts) |
| 1983 | 2.2 | 3(1) | 8(2) | 2 | 2 | 5 | 15 | 10 | 10.7 |
| 1984 | 2.2 | 3(1) | 8(2) | 2 | 2 | 5 | 15 | 10 | 10.7 |
| 1985 | 2.3 | 3(1) | 8(2) | 2 | 2 | 5 | 15 | 13 | 13 |
| 1986 | 2.3 | 3(1) | 8(2) | 2 | 2 | 5 | 15 | 13 | 13 |
| 1987 | 2.3 | 3(1) | 8(2) | 2 | 2 | 5 | 15 | 13 | 13 |
Notes:
(1) 5-Speed Overdrive Transmission: 3.6 pints
(2) C-5 Transmission (2wd): 7.5 quarts
===
(1986 Ford Ranger Mitsubishi Diesel)
Photos of a 1986 turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine in a 1986 Ford Ranger
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station, one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and cross-country routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road tests contributed by owners worldwide. His work has been referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information rather than theoretical advice.
Jim’s hands-on experience includes long-distance overland travel, trail use, drivetrain and axle upgrades, suspension tuning, and platform comparisons across multiple Ranger generations. The content published on The Ranger Station is grounded in first-hand experience and community-verified data, not marketing claims or generic specifications.