Bronco II as compared to Explorer
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Bronco II as compared to Explorer
Can anyone tell me anything about the 1990 bronco II engine and about a 93 explorer sport engine? are they the same? similar. Someone told me that the bronco II engine was bad? what is you guys views on that.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Elgin TX
Bronco II as compared to Explorer
890and 90 engine should be the same. The major problem with those are the small TB, which one from a earlier FI BII bolts right on. My 89 sports about 176K miles and from looking at this forum is almost considered new with member in the 200K+ range.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Tumwater, Wa
Bronco II as compared to Explorer
Bronco II's have the 2.8 V6 (84-85) and the 2.9 V6 (86-90) There were rumors of factory 4.0 powered Bronco II's, but None have been documented yet.
All explorers that have a V6 are the 4.0. The 4.0 is a tall deck version of the 2.9 block, with a roller cam, different heads and different intake. It also has distributoless ignition, the 2.9 has a distributor.
As for the 2.9 being a bad engine, the 86-88 engines suffered from cracked heads, due to a factory flaw of the deck surface of the head being too thin. They cracked usually from overheating. the 89-90 engines used "improved" heads. There are also aftermarket replacement heads from World products that are the fix. The 2.9 V6's also have trouble with inadequate oiling to the hydralic lifters, which makes them clack, especially if penzoil was used in the engine.
All explorers that have a V6 are the 4.0. The 4.0 is a tall deck version of the 2.9 block, with a roller cam, different heads and different intake. It also has distributoless ignition, the 2.9 has a distributor.
As for the 2.9 being a bad engine, the 86-88 engines suffered from cracked heads, due to a factory flaw of the deck surface of the head being too thin. They cracked usually from overheating. the 89-90 engines used "improved" heads. There are also aftermarket replacement heads from World products that are the fix. The 2.9 V6's also have trouble with inadequate oiling to the hydralic lifters, which makes them clack, especially if penzoil was used in the engine.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Austin
Bronco II as compared to Explorer
My 89 sports about 176K miles and from looking at this forum is almost considered new with member in the 200K+ range.
Screw 200+, I have 328,400 miles... and still going strong...
As for the 2.9 being a bad engine, the 86-88 engines suffered from cracked heads, due to a factory flaw of the deck surface of the head being too thin. They cracked usually from overheating.
Yep, but I used a block sealer to fix that... no more cracked head...
The 2.9 V6's also have trouble with inadequate oiling to the hydralic lifters, which makes them clack, especially if penzoil was used in the engine.
Have yet to encounter that problem. It makes a slight click noise, but other than that that's it. I use Castrol GTX 20W50, btw. And I've only had the truck for about 4 or 5 months now, so I dunno what was used before.
Screw 200+, I have 328,400 miles... and still going strong...
As for the 2.9 being a bad engine, the 86-88 engines suffered from cracked heads, due to a factory flaw of the deck surface of the head being too thin. They cracked usually from overheating.
Yep, but I used a block sealer to fix that... no more cracked head...
The 2.9 V6's also have trouble with inadequate oiling to the hydralic lifters, which makes them clack, especially if penzoil was used in the engine.
Have yet to encounter that problem. It makes a slight click noise, but other than that that's it. I use Castrol GTX 20W50, btw. And I've only had the truck for about 4 or 5 months now, so I dunno what was used before.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 117
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From: upstate new york
Bronco II as compared to Explorer
my 88 broncoII had 185000 on the ticker, when i traded it and was still running strong. by the way those were on a rural mail route, not much harder way to treat a vehicle if you ask me.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: UT
Bronco II as compared to Explorer
I have and '87 BII and a '92 Explorer (4 door not sport but they have the same engine). From hanging out in both forums, I wouldn't give either engine an advantage in terms of durability. With more displacement, the 4.0 L has more power, which is offset by the extra weight of the explorer.
As for cracking heads, the 2.9 is more susceptible to cracking heads. In talking to some in the engine rebuilding business, the 4.0 L is better, but it can crack heads, too. For that matter, any engine can/will crack heads if overheated. The 2.9 seems to be more susceptible than others.
As for engine management, all explorers use a mass air flow system. The BII's use a speed density system (Some 1990 BII's did get a mass air flow system, I've heard). Some like speed density; others hate it; I find that they both work fine.
Those that don't like the 2.9 are usually those who want more power. This same group isn't always satisfied with the 4.0 L, either.
As for cracking heads, the 2.9 is more susceptible to cracking heads. In talking to some in the engine rebuilding business, the 4.0 L is better, but it can crack heads, too. For that matter, any engine can/will crack heads if overheated. The 2.9 seems to be more susceptible than others.
As for engine management, all explorers use a mass air flow system. The BII's use a speed density system (Some 1990 BII's did get a mass air flow system, I've heard). Some like speed density; others hate it; I find that they both work fine.
Those that don't like the 2.9 are usually those who want more power. This same group isn't always satisfied with the 4.0 L, either.
Tuned
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From: Austin
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New User
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Bronco II as compared to Explorer
Hey all.......whats the best oil to run in these high mileage engines? currently running multi-vis synthetic... but Im not sure that is the best course.......thanks
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From: Tumwater, Wa
Bronco II as compared to Explorer
Sven Pruett, the Colonge V6 guru, says to run nothing but sythetic. However, if you put synthetic in a higher miliage engine, you run the risk of oil leaks from the oil disolving accumulated gunk, and slipping past worn seals. I personally am running castrol gtx 20w50, but my 2.8 is really worn. If yours is in good health, it should be happy with 10w30.
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Bronco II as compared to Explorer
Thanks for the info Shorty.....top-end on the engine has been re-built (new heads) about 25k miles ago. Overall mileage is 225k. I bought from the original owner who changed the oil every 3k since he purchased it new. Hey my first vehicle in high school was a 71' short bed with I think a 272 six and a column shift...bought new for just around 3k$.......thanks again
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ElvishWarrior21
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Jun 3, 2003 03:54 PM
