89 oil pump pressure
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New User
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: cary us
89 oil pump pressure
My 89 ranger 2.9 is running kind of rough when at idle the oil pressure is low and it goes down past low and then when I hit the gas it comes up and is almost normal when I am driving around when the pressure is down like at stop lights and idle knocks pretty bad but then when I drive it runs good with no knocks. Im pretty sure it's the oil pump and I have heard it is a hard job has anyone done it what do I need to know.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Harrisburg USA
89 oil pump pressure
Low oil pressure is not uncommon in Ranger engines. The good news is that it's rarely fatal. What "weight" motor oil are you running?? If you're running 10W-40, you could try going to 20W50 for the warmer months, until you have a chance to do something more permanent (replace oil pump, or whatever).
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Iowa
89 oil pump pressure
My B2 was doing this for the last few months I was driving it. Finally the oil light just stayed on, and it about clattered itself to death. Upon removal and inspection of the engine, the oil pump was ok, screen ok. The problem was the rod bearings. All of 'em were worn through to the copper. Also, the thrust bearing ate into the crank so far that it could move back and forth about 1/8". Ruined the block, counterweights smacking into bulkheads and such. Dont ask me how this happened. All I can say is, dont use Fram oil filters... I'd say you're probably looking at a little more work than just an oil pump, probably a total rebuild. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. 
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Harrisburg USA
89 oil pump pressure
Rusty, that's interesting. I think you're the first post I've seen relate to a pretty catastrophic failure. I know that as all the various bearings in the engine wear, the oil pressure does drop, even if the pump is OK. I'm thinking that might be the case with mine, since it is a little clattery on cold mornings. But, so far, I've been able to "nurse it along" with the increased viscosity. Lilcase108, I hope you have better luck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
89 oil pump pressure
Something you both might think about, and I didnt at the time, is to pull the oil pan, if you can with the motor in the vehicle, and slide some new main and rod bearings in it. It'll be kind of a PITA, but should be doable. After that, new rockers and rocker shafts. Should help get some of the oil pressure back. Beyond that, you'd probably have to pull it to get new cam bearings in it.
Higher weight oil will help for a while, I put 80,000 on mine with a lifter ticking with 20w50 in it! Just dont let it get as far gone as mine did. Good luck!
Higher weight oil will help for a while, I put 80,000 on mine with a lifter ticking with 20w50 in it! Just dont let it get as far gone as mine did. Good luck!
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New User
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: cary us
89 oil pump pressure
ok so what your saying is the engine is causeing the low oil pressure and is pretty much gone. I was just planning on putting a 91 ranger 4.0 motor in It anyways so Im probly just going to run it untill it blows.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Vancouver WA
89 oil pump pressure
Maybe it is, and maybe it isn't. Try the heavier oil and see if it helps. Plus, you could throw in one of those additives like Restore, or something like that. At the very least, it's not going to hurt, and it might give you a few extra miles on the current engine.
