I have a 1993 Ford ranger , 4cyl. , how difficult is it to change the head gasket

 

depends on your level of experience and what constitutes hard. it's no walk in the park. check out a repair manual in any parts store to get an idea about what needs to be done. then it's a matter of your time and a place to do it.

 

Compared to other motors I've worked on, changing the head gaskets is pretty easy on a 2.3L. Getting the exhaust manifold and EGR tube loose will probably be the biggest challenge, as the fasteners for both are usually seized. Just soak them in PB Blaster the night before you do the work and it should help loosen them up some.

The lower half of the intake manifold can be left in place. It helps speed things along by not having to feel your way around for the lower bolts holding it on, and it also can serve as a useful lever to help pry the head off the block.

Then its just a matter of removing all of the other parts that are bolted onto the head or obstruct access to the head. That's where you'll spend most of your time. Make sure to go ahead and swap out your timing belt, thermostat housing and thermostat while everything is apart. Get either the Ford or Fel-Pro replacement head gasket. If your truck uses the old style non-steel reinforced valve cover gasket, pick one up from your local Ford dealer. Its $30 or so, but its well worth the money and reduced hassle of having to fight oil leaks later down the road.

There are quite a few threads on re-timing the engine, which isn't that difficult on this motor.

 

if you dont know much about heads and motors in general this will be hard. id rate it an 8 out of 10 on the difficulty meter.

Matt