I have just recently bought a 94 Ranger XLT with a 2.3L
engine and 5-speed manual transmission. This truck has 72K
original miles and is super clean. I have a concern that my truck
may be using some oil between oil changes. I called the previous owner, who told me that they had to add oil occasionly also. She assured me that the engine had never leaked any oil on her carport, and that her husband never noticed any smoke coming out of the exaust. I've not noticed any smoke either, nor have I seen any leaks.
I'm not sure of how much oil my little truck is useing, because I've only had it for about two weeks. The previous owner asked her FORD dealership, where she had bought the truck,about this concern. They(FORD) told her that since the truck had some age on it, that this might be normal, even though the miles were low for a truck that is 9 years old. Please, anyone out there with input about my oil concerns, especially someone knowledgeable about the 2.3L engines contact me at darby@wnclink.com. This is my first time on this site, and I've spent several hours reading some interesting articals. Keep up the GREAT work guys! I sure hope that I hear some encouraging news, because I REALLY like my little Ranger. This joker drives and rides like a new one. It looks like it's never been on a dirt road even. The engine compartment is free of dust or fluid leaks, and the interior is excellent. Please tell me that my little truck is going to be alright.
Oh Yeah, I've also got a Big Ranger, a '79 Lariat with a 460 four- barrell. It will pass everything on the road, except the gas station.(It likes gas!) Thanks for your time. Please respond. Darby

 

welcome CDW .... is this truck using the right kind of grade motor oil?? has the oil been changed? for that many miles on the motor it should not use any or much.. but all i can think of mabe the oil is going through your coolant area.. check to see if there is any oil in your coolant...pop the rad cap off and look inside to make sure its green not a oil slick...and get a compression test done to see if its up to par... for what you explained to no leaks and smoke thats the way i would go about it...sorry i cant be more of help on this but give it a try..

 

Hey Dude,
Thanks for your time in responding to my oil concerns. I'll try to find a good Ford mechanic and ask him to check your theory out.I get excited when I hear back from some other Ford Brothers. I've been wanting a Ranger for a long time, and I finally was able to afford one. Even though it's not new, it's in excellent shape.My wife really likes driving it too.Also,If you get this message, do you know where to find a good bolt on intake/air filter system for my 2.3L engine?Thanks, for your time RED RANGER, I do appreciate your help.
Take care Brother. Darby

 

Prior to my 3.0 Ranger I had a 4.6 V-8 and it would use about 3/4 of a quart per 3000 miles. I bought it new and it did it until a traded it on the Ranger at 53k.

 

cbw let us know how you made out on your ranger soon.....im still stumped on this subject and if i come across anymore info. i will let you in on it and try to find why you are looseing some of that crude....and your next question on air intakes... i would buy the k@n filter kit to boost more horse power etc.

 

Operation under varying conditions can frequently be misleading. A vehicle that has been run for several thousand miles on short trips or in below-freezing ambient temperatures may have consumed a "normal" amount of oil. However, when checking the engine oil level, it may measure up to the FULL or MAX on the oil level dipstick due to dilution (condensation and fuel) in the engine crankcase. The vehicle might then be driven at high speeds on the highway where the condensation and fuel boil off. The next time the engine oil is checked, it may appear that a liter (quart) of oil was used in about 160 km (100 miles). This perceived 160 km (100 miles) per liter (quart) oil consumption rate causes customer concern even though the actual overall oil consumption rate is about 2,400 km (1,500 miles) per liter (quart). Oil use is normally greater during the first 16,100 km (10,000 miles) of service. As mileage increases, oil use generally decreases. Vehicles in normal service should get at least 1,450 km per liter (900 miles per quart) after 16,000 km (10,000 miles) of service. High speed driving, towing, high ambient temperature and other factors may result in greater oil use.

 

Ken,
I was very pleased to receive your information about my oil concerns. Man, you've been doing your homework! I knew there were some guys out there who could help to ease my mind about my little truck. I really appreciate your time in responding to my question. I'll monitor my oil levels for about a month, and report back to some of you guys.I'm going to write your e-mail down, so that I can contact you later, if that's alright with you. I've been so overwhelmed by all the help that I've received from some of you guys on this site.You sound like you've had some experience with these matters. I know that peoples time is really valuable,and you gave me some real impressive figures.I praise God for people like yourself, that are willing to slow down long enough to lend their brother a hand.Thanks for your time.Take care of yourself, and be cool. Darby

 

No problem, glad I could pass some information on to you and feel free to contact me here or by email.