2.9 v6 reliable?
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
The biggest problem with the 2.9 is they have a tendency to crack heads if they get overheated. Any sign of cooling system problems, or coolant in the oil, or the like? Any engine that has been abused or not maintained will fail prematurely. The 2.9, if it's maintained and not overheated is a good engine that will last a long time. How many miles on this one?
Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,310
Likes: 9
From: E.Lincoln County, NC
Let's see ....... my 88 Ranger had 188K on it when I sold it. A friend of my daughter's dad has it now, miles unknown. My wifes 90 BR II had 163K when she sold it to a neighbors kid and he's still driving it 2 years later. Great little motors just keep the oil changed and DON'T overheat them.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Fort Carson, CO
My '90 B2 has 198K+ and still going strong. Although she tends to run a little warm when I wheel she does great. I got two electric fans on her to pull the temp down when I need to. I agree with everyone else here...keep on top of the regular maintenance and the B2 you're looking at will do you right.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
They have a tendency to tick, no matter how well kept they have been, and if they overheat you will most likely blow a head. Other sore spot is leaking valve covers, but, if you seal them correctly they will not leak for years.
Barring that the engine will usually go to 160,000-200,000 before it needs rings etc.
Barring that the engine will usually go to 160,000-200,000 before it needs rings etc.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Dunmore Pa.
A guy I work with has a 90 Ranger 245,000 on the 2.9L. ( All stock and never taken apart)
The only complaint the guy had was valve cover gaskets leaked two times
Great engine but like it was already said don't overheat it.
In fact he still takes it 50 miles one way to work.
The only complaint the guy had was valve cover gaskets leaked two times
Great engine but like it was already said don't overheat it.
In fact he still takes it 50 miles one way to work.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,676
Likes: 20
From: Pine Level NC
My 90 has 200K+ on it,
raps, taps, sounds like a sewing machine.
I drive it almost 50 miles a day 5 days a week.
Valve covers leak but so does the main, trans
and a few other places.
Is rolling with 3" lift and 31" BFG's.
Still wheel it when I get the time from its big
brother.
All that, and I can go out after it sitting for
2 weeks or more and it will fire right up.
raps, taps, sounds like a sewing machine.
I drive it almost 50 miles a day 5 days a week.
Valve covers leak but so does the main, trans
and a few other places.
Is rolling with 3" lift and 31" BFG's.
Still wheel it when I get the time from its big
brother.
All that, and I can go out after it sitting for
2 weeks or more and it will fire right up.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 6
From: Rio Rancho NM
My 86 has 270,000 on the bottom end. It overheated with the stock rad but now with a Sploder rad it never gets hot. I replaced the heads w/ World Product heads 3 years ago and they're holding up fine. I change the oil every 3K. When the heads were off I noticed a very slight lip where you could catch your fingernail on a few of the cylinder walls at the top of the piston ring sweeps but it doesn't smoke. It ticks when cold but not for long. Maintenance is key with the 2.9.