Engine & Oil Pressure Problems 2.9
 

I've got an 89 Bronco II with a 2.9L engine. It cracked a head, and so I went ahead and put two rebuilt heads on the engine. The mechanic told me he changed the lifters, turns out the guy is a compulsive liar and didn't. It started tapping right after getting it back, now it's getting worse, and worse and worse... it sounds at times like it's going to break the rocker arms off!

So, the engine is tapping like crazy now, and I'm afraid that instead of just lifters, it's going to need rocker arms, maybe even a camshaft (if that is possible).

What can I expect in the way of cost, to replace the lifters in this engine?

=ALSO=

Just recently while on a trip I noticed something odd with the oil pressure. It went to zero at idle, and as I rev'd it up, it went back up - so while I was driving it was fine, but then slowing down it would go all the way to zero. When it's cold, it has decent pressure all the time - I can drive probably 20 miles no problem, but as it warms up, it will disappear at idle speeds (like at a red light or stop sign). Any clue what is causing this? Now scare me and tell me the engine has to be lifted to get to what looks like the silliest oil pan design I have ever seen - to replace the oil pump if that is what you guys think it is?

Do you think my first problem (all the clacking) is just due to this goof not replacing the lifters?

Do you think my second problem is the oil pump?

Thanks for your help.
Mike

Engine & Oil Pressure Problems 2.9
 

well so i have heard from many people these motors do tick even after a rebuild howvere if its real loud id havce it looked at by someone other than the mechanic that you claim rebuilt it as for the oil pump their are other ways around lifting the motor out
you could in turn drop the suspension and lift the motor up but not out course in my opinion if your going to all that trouble and you cannot verify that the oilpump was replaced in the past 8 million years id replace it
steve

Engine & Oil Pressure Problems 2.9
 

Chances are that the crankshaft bearings are worn out due to the antifreeze leaking. Had the same problem in a 89 Bronco II I bought 4 years ago. The heads were cracked and all the antifreeze washed out the bearings. When you pulled up to a stop after running for 10 miles the oil pressure would flip to below normal.So I pulled the engine. Crank had to be reground so I did a total rebuild. :-rip

Engine & Oil Pressure Problems 2.9