Anyone else out there have a 85-87 Ranger with the 2.3L diesel from Mitshubishi? Just curious to see who else has one.

Trevor

 

Yea I have an 86 ranger with the Mitshubishi 4D55 turbo diesel. It still runs good, but ever so oftern the starter likes to come loose, even if I use locktight. It also has a few bad oil leaks which seem hard to locate. It also nees new glow plugs which seem hard to locate, so I just use starter fluid. Other than that it's a great truck. Any problems with your truck?

 

I had an '86 till about '96 it threw a rod at 213000 miles. I used it to pull a homemade 16 ft gooseneck equipment trailer total weight depending on what I was hauling 4000 to 7000 lbs. I wish Ford still offered a diesel in the Ranger. I got 32mpg empty, 14-18 with trailer loaded.

 

We've had head trouble with ours, but other than that it has been good. Had an 85 4x4 once, rebuilt it and a bearing on the balance shaft piled up 20 miles down the road. Ruined the block.

Trevor

 

I bought a very used 86 with the 2.3 diesel.not long after i bought it the timing belt broke which borke two rocker arms.Ididn't get to drive it long but i would love to fix mine or find another one

 

Where do you live? I may be willing to part with mine. I'm in AZ.

 

I just bought an 85 2.3 Turbo Diesel today. I wasn't in the market for a vehicle, but a buddy of mine said his brother had one I could have for $100. We went and looked at it, and the starter was shot. We push started it, and it ran fine. There were no other problems indicated in the 35 mile trip back home.

I found a couple of starter rebuilds to be had for $140, but will take it apart to see what needs done; it may just be the brushes. The truck needs some work, but for the money I figured it would be a fun project. I'm going to start with new filters (the guy I bought it from only changed cassettes), a good cleaning of the engine compartment, new starter, and go from there. I found a NOS Clymer manual for it and have that on the way. The brakes are pretty stiff but don't make any noise; I think it might be the booster. I'll get to pick it apart a little more once I have the manual in hand.

Any tips from other diesel Ranger owners are more than welcome.

 

What kind of mileage do you diesel guys get with oyur Rangers. Just curious.

 

I get around 30 mpg in the city. I don't drive much on the highway, so I'm not sure, probably 35 or better.

 

Just an update on the project...

I removed the starter and took it to a local rebuild shop; less than $50 out the door, and it's good as new.

It still didn't want to start, so I checked the glow plugs and they're bad. I also found the glow plug relay to be bad, so while I'm waiting for parts, a quick shot of starting fluid does the trick when it's cold.

Going over the brake system, I found the vacuum pump to be inoperative. I found a reman available, and will know if the booster is any good once I get the pump installed.

I've done some touch-up to the body, nothing major, a few spots of surface rust. The tailgate was pretty bad on the bottom so I just formed and riveted some tin until I find a decent one in the boneyard.

I bought an oil filter for it that the clerk at the parts store said was the proper one from their computer query. After draining the oil and removing the old filter, I found the replacement filter to NOT be the right one. I had to reinstall the old one. They ordered a different one, and I'll do another oil change with the new filter.

Although parts aren't as easy to find locally for this as I would like, I have been able to find everything I need, mostly online. I'm looking forward to getting the brakes and glow plug problem solved soon. I still think it's worth what I'm putting into it, and as solid as it runs, I expect it to perform well when taken care of.

 

Another update...

I installed the relay a couple of days ago, and the glow plugs came today. After installing them, the truck fired right up without a bit of hesitation. Quite a bit of excitement and relief at the same time. I was pretty sure that's all it was, but you never know. Now all I need is to get that vacuum pump and it'll be in tip-top shape. I was fortunate enough to pick up the relay for 20% of what I was originally quoted, and the plugs for 25% of their quote. Now I'm looking for a good deal on a vacuum pump. I'm liking this truck more and more each day.

 

Rings/ inserts and what ever else is needed

Hi: I'm a 1st time user in need of expertise. I have a 1986 ranger diesel (4d55,2.3l Mitsubishi) and have blow by - oil is comming up through the dip stick and into the air filter. We are looking for rings and inserts before we dismantel the engine and have been unable to locate any parts, locally -New Brunswick, Canada. I am a gas mechanic and really like this 4x4. Anyone provide any info as to what we might be getting into, (is there cylinder sleeves or can we just hone the cylinders) and where parts may be available?

Thanks in advance

 

I don't think there are sleeves for this diesel. I seem to remember that we had to bore the block when it was rebuilt, but that was a long time ago. One thing I'll warn you, parts for these are priced like their worth there weight in gold. Which is partially true due to the engine's rarity.

Trevor

 

Trevor, can you remember where you got the parts? There isn't a Mitsubishi Dealer around here and all the engine rebuilding shops don't list a thing for this motor!! There must be a mail order place, hopefully? They will probably be pricey but when you do your own labour, you can spend a little extra on the parts...

Thanks
Frank

 

I can't recall right now, but I can try and find out for you soon.

Trevor