Hey all,
Just wondering if there is any one thing that I should be looking at on this 2.3. It has a bad mis, and anytime its under a load it pings really badly.
I just picked this truck up the other day, so I haven't had time to do my own compression test, but the PO stated that one of the cylinders was low, and all increased about 10 - 15 psi when wet tested. (about normal)

Anyway, the engine doesn't smoke, or knock, and other than the pinging, and the mis, it sounds really good.

I'll be pulling the head over the weekend if I can find the time, but I was hoping someone might know what I should expect to find.

Thanks for any input.

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Rangers, '95, 2.3, '98 2.5, 4x2 extra cab's, '96, 2.3 base model, '99, Mazda B3000.

Does it show any codes?

To be honest, I haven't checked. The truck is being delivered today, so I'll pull the codes when it arrives. I did learn that the PO replaced the TPS, whether or not that was adjusted correct is unknown.

Thanks.

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Rangers, '95, 2.3, '98 2.5, 4x2 extra cab's, '96, 2.3 base model, '99, Mazda B3000.

Update.

Pulled the head and was quite surprised at what I found. The #3 exhaust valve seat had come loose from the head and was caught between the valve and the port. I have never seen this before, it this common on Ford engines? Anyone ever have, or seen this happen?

Not only was the valve seat dislodged, but the head gasket was burned out between #'s 3 & 4, leaving only 2 cylinders working. Its hard to believe the engine ran at all.

I think I may have lucked out on this one because I just happen to have another head ready to go.

I'll be back with another update on this project next week.

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Rangers, '95, 2.3, '98 2.5, 4x2 extra cab's, '96, 2.3 base model, '99, Mazda B3000.