69 Ranger 390 Question
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Joined: Apr 2003
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69 Ranger 390 Question
Need a little advice from you guys.
In April, I purchased a very nice 69 Ranger LWB w/factory buckets, factory a/c and original 390 engine; truck has 18,000 original miles (documented). Now the problem:
When I drove the vehicle back from Alabama, it was using some oil, to the tune of about a quart in 100 miles. Truck has all kinds of power, no knocks or engine noise whatsoever, very smooth. When I drive the truck around town, it seems to behave oil-wise, but when I get it on the freeway at 60+ mph it uses oil. This truck blows no blue smoke upon start-up, shifting, or heavy accleration
So, with that in mind, what do you think is the problem? I'm thinking a top-end rebuild (rings etc.). If so, what is a decent price for this from a professional mechanic? Also, if I'm going to be spending some bread on this, I may be further ahead to just rebuild the engine altogether.
Suggestions here would be appreciated.
Thanks
Shawn
In April, I purchased a very nice 69 Ranger LWB w/factory buckets, factory a/c and original 390 engine; truck has 18,000 original miles (documented). Now the problem:
When I drove the vehicle back from Alabama, it was using some oil, to the tune of about a quart in 100 miles. Truck has all kinds of power, no knocks or engine noise whatsoever, very smooth. When I drive the truck around town, it seems to behave oil-wise, but when I get it on the freeway at 60+ mph it uses oil. This truck blows no blue smoke upon start-up, shifting, or heavy accleration
So, with that in mind, what do you think is the problem? I'm thinking a top-end rebuild (rings etc.). If so, what is a decent price for this from a professional mechanic? Also, if I'm going to be spending some bread on this, I may be further ahead to just rebuild the engine altogether.
Suggestions here would be appreciated.
Thanks
Shawn
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
69 Ranger 390 Question
Can you see where the oil is coming from? Is there any dripping on the ground?
With only 18,000 miles, I would suspect gaskets on the oil pan and valve covers and the rear main seal, then look to internals.
I think my rear main is leaking and the oil is all over the tranny bell-housing.
With only 18,000 miles, I would suspect gaskets on the oil pan and valve covers and the rear main seal, then look to internals.
I think my rear main is leaking and the oil is all over the tranny bell-housing.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 8
From: Brea CA
69 Ranger 390 Question
Usually when an FE burns 1qt/100mi and there's no leaks or mechanical problems it's because the intake gasket(s) are leaking internally and sucking up oil from the inside of the engine.
Barry
Barry
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,209
Likes: 12
From: Black Hills of SD
69 Ranger 390 Question
I had a 69 360 with about 90,000. It ran great, never smoked and used about the same oil as yours. If you got it going down a long steep grade with the throttle plates closed it would smoke pretty bad. It was the valve guide/seals. If you plan on running this truck much you will need to pull the heads anyway for hard valve seats. Do a wet and dry compression test and a leak down if you can to make sure it's healthy first. If that's all its ever been run you should expect to replace the rear main seal too.
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