Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts!

Go Back   Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! > >
Forgot Password? Join Us!

Welcome to Ford Ranger Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread

  #1  
Old 12-31-2009, 06:49 AM
Yellow 95 Yellow 95 is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 5
Default 2.3L blown head gasket

so what am i in for?
does anyone know if this is something i can do?
im thinking that since its an I4, it will be easier than my old v-8.

i need some help here soon

the mechanic says its a blown head gasket, and i dont doubt him, but its odd because the first thing i checked was the oil, and there is no milkshake in the oil.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-28-2010, 08:36 AM
Scott Scott is offline
Liking the Ford Ranger Forum
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 24
Default

It's actually harder than a v8, but still very doable if you are careful and pay attention to what you're doing. First things first you need to get a Chilton or Haynes manual. You'll basically have to take the entire top end of the motor apart, including manifolds, alternator, ac pump, water pump, radiator, etc to get to the timing belt. One of the hardest things I remember was the crankshaft pulley belt - a royal PIA. Ended up hitting it with the propane torch and a cheater to get it. Reassembly is pretty easy, just keep everything clean, follow your manual, and pay attention to torque specs. Any questions let me know. I know I had about 1000 when I did mine, but it's all worth it when you fire her up for the first time.

Good luck
__________________
1997 Ford Ranger XLT short bed regular cab
2.3L Lima
5 speed manual
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-28-2010, 08:42 AM
Scott Scott is offline
Liking the Ford Ranger Forum
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 24
Default

As far as the "milkshake" you refer to, it's not always the case with a blown head gasket. I think I was running with one for awhile...I would hear a high pitched hiss or squeal when I shut the motor off, I'm guessing this was pressure loss from the combustion chamber. Truck ran fine, for the most part, until one day it had a catastrophic meltdown. Started sounding like a diesel tractor and had no power at all. No water in the oil, and no oil in the radiator. Pulled her apart, had a massive gap in the head gasket between cylinders 2 and 3, luckily not between a cylinder and a water jacket (at least helped save my bearings) but cracked the head in both cylinders.
__________________
1997 Ford Ranger XLT short bed regular cab
2.3L Lima
5 speed manual
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-10-2010, 09:54 AM
cloud9 cloud9 is offline
Learning to use the forums
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2
Question Re: 2.3L blown head gasket

I've got a 2000 Ranger XLT 4x4, 3.2 L, 6-Cyl with about 133,000 miles on it and am all of a sudden faced with a big coolant leak. Fluid appears to leak from front right part of head, and all signs point to a head gasket problem. Code also reads a cylinder 6 misfire, and i am unsure exactly how/if these are related. No other problems other than coolant leak that begins when engine is heated up and pressurized, more of a steady drip than a pour, but it continues well after engine is shut off. Any advice on isolating the problem, the reality of fixing it myself, and potential cost if i have to take it in to a shop would be appreciated!
thanks
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-13-2010, 03:00 PM
Scott Scott is offline
Liking the Ford Ranger Forum
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 24
Default Re: 2.3L blown head gasket

Check the 6 cylinder forums, but it sounds like the head gasket. It shouldn't be that bad if you do your research and use a little common sense. It is well worth your time to do it yourself vs. paying someone else. One thing you should pay a shop to do is check out your heads to make sure they're not cracked and have a valve job done while your at it. Shouldn't cost that much. Good luck.
__________________
1997 Ford Ranger XLT short bed regular cab
2.3L Lima
5 speed manual
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
2.3, blown, coolant, head gasket, milkshake

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Fog Light blown Bighomedog11 General Ford Ranger Discussion 16 12-21-2009 01:02 PM
new head gasket 4.0 bogs down now? gabe324 4.0 SOHC / 4.0 OHV Tech 3 06-24-2009 12:44 PM
Need help. blown head gasket? cracked block? sean3481 3.0 Vulcan Tech 9 05-19-2009 08:19 PM
93 Ranger with 4.0L, Head Gasket change sunrise7 4.0 SOHC / 4.0 OHV Tech 1 05-11-2009 10:55 AM
just changed a head gasket on a 91 ranger and now no power, truck wants to die, wizzpack General Ford Ranger Discussion 2 02-14-2009 12:04 PM