Valve Guide Seals

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Jun 1, 2004 | 03:27 PM

RangerRuss

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From: Cypress, CA

Valve Guide Seals

I have a '90 Ranger 2.3 L with a 5-speed. Have come to the conclusion that I must have some bad valve guide seals due to : a. when first started for the day black soot from the tailpipe on the garage wall and b. when idling at a looooonnnnnggggg traffic signal when first starting out it blows a big puff of black smoke. It is consuming a quart of oil every 5 - 600 miles.

Has anyone been successful at changing the valve guide seals in one of these engines without removing the cylinder head? Seems to me that the cam followers can be moved/removed, the cylinder charged with air and the valve springs compressed revealing the seal. I did not want to start this process if someone knows something that I should be aware of prior to embarking on this adventure.

Thanks in advance for any insight you may be able to provide.

Russ

Jun 1, 2004 | 08:44 PM

Dealford

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Belleville, Ontario

You'll need sufficient air pressure being pumped into the cylinders to keep the valves closed. You're on the right track. There is a tool for compressing the springs with the head on. It looks like a bottle cork screw, sort of. The cheap ones will kill your hands. Get a good one.
Your problem with the black smoke is fuel related. Get yourself a service manual that explains all the checks & tests to pinpoint the problem.
AL.

Last edited by Dealford; Jun 1, 2004 at 08:54 PM.

Jun 2, 2004 | 07:56 AM

tomw

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From: suburban atlanta

Check that you PCV valve is not clogged. That can cause oil consumption. You'd see blue smoke, though, when burning oil. With bad seals, idle the engine, and then give the gas a goose. If you get a burst of blue smoke, it may be seals. If it blows smoke on startup after sitting overnight, it is probably seals.
tom

Jun 2, 2004 | 10:10 AM

RangerRuss

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From: Cypress, CA

Thanks so much for your replies. Tom, I have been through the entire breathing process: pcv, air filter, fuel injectors, pressure regulator, egr and associated controls with a STAR and all checks out. PCV valve was replaced although it seemed good - like everyone else, NAPA sent the wrong valve the first time. At 25 - 27 MPG consistently over the last 100K miles there can not be much wrong with the fuel system.

It is hard to ascertain the exact color of the smoke through the rear view mirror. The gray smoke is most pronounced when the truck is first started.

AL, do you recall what brand of a valve spring compressor you found most satisfactory?

Thanks again for your insights.

Russ

Jun 2, 2004 | 08:38 PM

Dealford

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Belleville, Ontario

Take a look a Snap-on or Mac or Craftsman.
I cheaped out and bought a Lisle brand to do a 351w and it just killed my hands because the handle (crank) was bare metal and thin.
AL.

Jun 3, 2004 | 08:47 AM

tomw

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From: suburban atlanta

For what it's worth, FoMoCo considers that to be normal oil consumption. I had a friend who bought a Ranger when I bought mine. His ate a quart of oil every 200 miles from new, and eventually, after MUCH 'negotiation' they installed a new short block. He was on their doorstep almost weekly, and they put dye in the oil and so on to ascertain it was defective before replacement.
So, at 100k, a quart per 500-600 miles is not that bad.
tom

Jun 3, 2004 | 09:04 AM

Bob Ayers

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Joined: Jan 2003

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From: Durham, NC

Instead of compressed air, another trick that will work is to feed a piece of rope into the cylinder, and bring the piston up. The rope will go against the valves, keeping them closed when removing the valve springs & keepers.