1986 Ranger, need help

[ArmyWarrant]

I bought a 1986 ranger with a 2.3 5spd for a daily driver to try and offset the cost of gas in my current daily driver Ram. It starts and runs with a slight miss when sitting in neutral. It has a small flat spot when you accelerate with it in neutral but seems to accelerate ok.

I have checked the TPS and it is functioning correctly and sweeps smoothly from .99 - 5 volts when you accuate the throttle. I have done a full tune up including cap, rotor, plugs and wires, air and fuel filters.

I also replaced the EGR Valve as it was bad.

The truck still doesn't run right. When I get in it and drive it it seems like it has absolutely no power when I shift from 1st to 2nd.

I pulled the new plugs out and #1, #2, and #4 look fine and are still clean. #3's porcelain is black.

This led me to do a compression test.

#1 - 165
#2 - 160
#3 - 120
#4 - 155

With #3 being so much lower, how do I determine if its a rings issue or a valve issue.

Also it seems that there is fuel in the oil. It seems really thin and I can't tell if it smells like fuel or exhaust.

Any ideas on what could be wrong?

[SK@StreetLethal]

Can you do a leakdown test?

[ArmyWarrant]

What would I need to have to do a leakdown test? I don't think I have the equipment to do that.

[ArmyWarrant]

Just checked harbor frieght online and they have a leakdown tester for $35. Looks like I will be buying one tomorrow. Can you tell me how to do it once I have the tool, I've never done a leakdown test before.

[SK@StreetLethal]

Instead of me writing a wall of text I found you a helpful link.
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0406_cylinder_leakdown_tester/viewall.html

[ArmyWarrant]

Thanks alot, I am gonna have to do some reassembly to get the engine up to operating temp but if it is what I need to do to save myself some hassle of knowing what exactly what the problem is.

[SK@StreetLethal]

No problem at all and good luck. Let us know what the leak down test shows and where the air is leaking to and we can help you find the issue.

[ArmyWarrant]

What would be the difference if I did the leakdown test on a cold engine vs a warm engine? I am trying to not have to reassemble the upper intake TB and all that if I dont have to

[Martin0660]

A couple of things.

I cant remember when the rangers switched EFI systems, but check the fuel pressure regulator. Remove the reference hose to the vacuum source. If it has gas in it, or a fuel smell, that could be a core issue. There should be no fuel on the vacuum side. That can cause pots of issues (fuel in oil, washed down cylinders ,etc).

A simple was to narrow valve train or rings is to add a few drops of transmission fluid to the cylinder and do a compression check. If it goes up its likely rings (oil seals them), little change is valves (oil won't help them). A breakdown test is still better, but the ATF is down and dirty.

[ArmyWarrant]

Thanks Bob,

I am gonna try that with the oil, I am gonna go grab the leakdown tester and do the compression test with oil added to the cylinder. Hopefully it goes up. I'd rather redo the head than the whole engine.

[ArmyWarrant]

Well just tried what your said bob, and even on a cold engine the compression came up almost 90 psi with a lil oil in the cylinder. looks like the engine needs rebuilt.

What do you think of this rebuild kit Bob?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ENGINE-REBUILD-KIT-1986-1994-Ford-Car-140-2-3L-HSC-/270786810945?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item3f0c26d441

[Martin0660]

I'm on my phone and the link doesn't work (phone likely) autospell is why my last post looks odd in places.

[ArmyWarrant]

I'm on my phone and the link doesn't work (phone likely) autospell is why my last post looks odd in places.

It's item # 270786810945 so on a cold engine and it increasing that much over the previous reading, that definitely means it needs at a bare minimum rings and bearings right?

[SK@StreetLethal]

Coming up 90 psi with some oil squirted in the cylinder definately means the rings are not sealing up correctly. They could be cracked or just worn. Don't buy any engine parts until it gets torn down and you can see and measure to see what you really need. It will save you time and money in the end.

[Martin0660]

As was said, pull it apart. I'm still betting on a headgasket caused by bad fuel pressure regulator. 2.3's are fairly bullet proof if you fuel them. Although your miles are a wild card.

[ArmyWarrant]

I will get the head off when I get back to VA, I am currently in WV at my parents house. Should be home sunday to va and I'll start taking it apart. Thanks for all the advice guys!

[ArmyWarrant]

OK been a while on this, I haven't been able to get around to tearing it down yet, but I was wondering once I tear it down, and if it needs just rings, what would be the max ring oversize I could go with before having to have it bored?