Need help '96 Ranger 2.3
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 11
From: Danville KY
Need help '96 Ranger 2.3
Hi all, been lurking here for a few months now, bought a '96 Ranger 2.3 with a 5 speed a few months back.... been reading old threads trying to learn as much as possible about the 2.3 engine.
Truck has been very dependable, runs great with zero issues until last week. I always check the oil when I fill up and was about a quart and 1/2 low on oil last time. Truck normally uses less than a quart between 3,000 mile changes. Dipstick has white gunk on it and antifreeze was about 1/2 gallon low also. The bottom of the engine has oil all over it, can't really tell where it's coming from.
Truck still runs very well, no miss, smoke, steam or anything coming out he tailpipe. Where do I start??? Thanks.
Truck has been very dependable, runs great with zero issues until last week. I always check the oil when I fill up and was about a quart and 1/2 low on oil last time. Truck normally uses less than a quart between 3,000 mile changes. Dipstick has white gunk on it and antifreeze was about 1/2 gallon low also. The bottom of the engine has oil all over it, can't really tell where it's coming from.
Truck still runs very well, no miss, smoke, steam or anything coming out he tailpipe. Where do I start??? Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
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If you check the oil everytime you fill up and have never noticed the white gunk before I would say you have a problem, condensation can build over time in certin conditions. I would keep a close eye on it maybe change the oil and watch it if the oil gets discolerd or milky I would say you may have a head gasket issue. As for the oil on the bottom of the engine I would check valve cover & oil pan gaskets oil pressure sending unit and make sure your oil filter is not working loose.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 11
From: Danville KY
Thanks for the replies, I changed the oil and filter. Filter was tight, NO anti-freeze in the oil pan, but there is a small amount brown gunk on the radiator cap.
Never heard of putting dye in the oil before..... what kind of dye, where do you get it??
Never heard of putting dye in the oil before..... what kind of dye, where do you get it??
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2004
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 11
From: Danville KY
I think you're right about not getting past "GO"....... checked fluids this morning, radiator reservoir has a lot of brown gunk in it and the dipstick has more white on it.
Guess I need to decide what to do..... replace head gasket or pick up a used engine. Thanks for your help.
Guess I need to decide what to do..... replace head gasket or pick up a used engine. Thanks for your help.
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 11
From: Danville KY
I've been looking at my Haynes manual..... really doesn't look all that bad. The little truck is an XLT is in very good condition, everything works and drives nice.
While I'm at it valve job not a bad idea, thanks.
While I'm at it valve job not a bad idea, thanks.