What engine do I have??
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
What engine do I have??
I recently bought a 1985 Ranger. The person I bought it off of said that the motor was recently rebuilt. The way that it runs I hardly believe him. He said it was a 2.8, but the way it runs I can't believe it has even been rebuilt. Could someone tell me how I can tell the difference between engines? This thing needs plugs, wires, and alot of other TLC. Good thing I didn't give much for it huh.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Grand Chute
If the engine was ever pulled you can find little tell tale signs if it was.....Like the wiring harness doesn't look like they are in factory positions, or they may have used zip ties to fasten them back down etc. See if any of the bolts, like motor mount bolts look like they ever had a wrench put on them. You just kind of have to look closely at some stuff and see if anything is out of the ordinary. Or look for signs of new gaskets and maybe even a coppression test
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I would say it's a good thing you didn't give much for it. 2.8L? Hmm... I guess that may be an 85 Ranger engine, I thought it was 2.9L though. Yep gearheadz got it. Look for "strange" stuff. Wires out of place or zip tied in place, bolts that have been removed and have tool marks on them, bolts on the engine would be a good place to start. I would ask for proof of it from him too, who did it, what parts they used, when it was done, etc.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
Likes: 1
From: Alvin, Texas.
The 2.9L is fuel injected, but not TBI as I recall. 2.8L is certainly a carby engine. Both are 60* Cologne family v6s, like the 4.0L....
I hope that truck wasn't bought for much, if that lousy running engine wasn't figured out before the test drive that should have been taken....
Gosh, this is like the 3rd post I've seen so far tonight that someone has bought a vehicle that runs like crap and they seem surprised once they get home...then ask for help. I guess the local mechanics are too busy to ask for help with inspections...I know, "No fair, Alfred!", since I have a mechanic friend.
I hope that truck wasn't bought for much, if that lousy running engine wasn't figured out before the test drive that should have been taken....
Gosh, this is like the 3rd post I've seen so far tonight that someone has bought a vehicle that runs like crap and they seem surprised once they get home...then ask for help. I guess the local mechanics are too busy to ask for help with inspections...I know, "No fair, Alfred!", since I have a mechanic friend.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
He said it was a good thing he didn't give much, so thankfully he didn't waste his money. I seem to think I have a feeling where some money will be going soon. *slowly turns and looks at the 2.8L*
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by AlfredB1979
The 2.9L is fuel injected, but not TBI as I recall. 2.8L is certainly a carby engine. Both are 60* Cologne family v6s, like the 4.0L....
I hope that truck wasn't bought for much, if that lousy running engine wasn't figured out before the test drive that should have been taken....
Gosh, this is like the 3rd post I've seen so far tonight that someone has bought a vehicle that runs like crap and they seem surprised once they get home...then ask for help. I guess the local mechanics are too busy to ask for help with inspections...I know, "No fair, Alfred!", since I have a mechanic friend.
I hope that truck wasn't bought for much, if that lousy running engine wasn't figured out before the test drive that should have been taken....
Gosh, this is like the 3rd post I've seen so far tonight that someone has bought a vehicle that runs like crap and they seem surprised once they get home...then ask for help. I guess the local mechanics are too busy to ask for help with inspections...I know, "No fair, Alfred!", since I have a mechanic friend.
I knew when i bought it how it ran. For $150, some spare parts, aftermarket wheels and 33's, I thought it a descent deal, even though i might have to spend a little to get it to run somewhat descent. It has definitely been messed with-wires are all bunched up with tape.
But the real question here is, are there any tell-tell differences apperance wise between the available engines. I just need something to go on.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: north carolina
also the 2.9 didnt debu till 86. the 2.8L like said earlier is a colgne 60 degree engine
it started life in the mustange II and when the ranger went from a package on the F150 to taking over the currier platform in '83 it was the "upgrade" option from the 2.0 or 2.3L I4. it will have a 2bl motarcraft carb on it with tfi ignition. i would suggest converting this all over to duraspark ingnition. problematic areas on the 2.8l are leaking valve covers, valve seats backing out, and having to adjust the valve lash during some time in the life of the engine being that it uses solid lifters and as they wear the lash gets to much play in them. these motor tack out around 5k rpms though i wouldnt turn it harder than 4.5K rpms. these motors are slow about picking up the rpms and take 3 days to get up to speed, especially if you have and auto. they do offer after market parts for these engines like over size pistons, cams, headers, and even a 4bbl intake, though by the time you dump that much money into it you could have swapped in a v8.
it started life in the mustange II and when the ranger went from a package on the F150 to taking over the currier platform in '83 it was the "upgrade" option from the 2.0 or 2.3L I4. it will have a 2bl motarcraft carb on it with tfi ignition. i would suggest converting this all over to duraspark ingnition. problematic areas on the 2.8l are leaking valve covers, valve seats backing out, and having to adjust the valve lash during some time in the life of the engine being that it uses solid lifters and as they wear the lash gets to much play in them. these motor tack out around 5k rpms though i wouldnt turn it harder than 4.5K rpms. these motors are slow about picking up the rpms and take 3 days to get up to speed, especially if you have and auto. they do offer after market parts for these engines like over size pistons, cams, headers, and even a 4bbl intake, though by the time you dump that much money into it you could have swapped in a v8.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: north carolina
also you could either have the c3 auto or the c5 auto transmission, if its manuel and original its more than likely a toyo-koygo 4 or 5 speed these were made by a division of MAZDA b4 ford bought them out. the easiest way to id a toyo is by it haveing a hydro clutch(all rangers have hydro clutches) but it will have an external clutch slave. the FM145 will have a internal clutch slave and it connects in the top of the bell housing, the FM146 is 2 inches longer than the 145 and its line hooks into the side of the bell housing, if by some chance you have a m5od trasmission, it will not have a removeable plate on the bottom and it will have a 1 peice cast trassmision (bell houing and body are 1 peice) though on the ones with removeable bells can only be took off with the trans removed from the truck.
if its 4x4 more than likly you have a Borg-Warner 13-50 t case, these are relatively strong units with lil to no problems
if its 4x4 more than likly you have a Borg-Warner 13-50 t case, these are relatively strong units with lil to no problems
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cfrives3
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
5
Mar 28, 2007 09:38 AM
vajerzy
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Sep 13, 2003 10:53 AM