1991 Ranger Losing 1-2 Quarts Quickly

1991 2.3L Lima Ford Ranger.

The Ranger was leaking from the rear main seal, so when the transmission was dropped, I replaced it. The Ranger is severely down on power and has been getting approximately 18 MPG. It is now wasting oil at 1-2 quarts every fueling, and at 18 MPG, that doesn't take long.

A wise man once said, "There's something happening over here and what it is ant' exactly clear." This is about where I'm at. I'm thinking the block and/or the crankshaft is getting ate up. (Sorry about the technical terms.)

I'm planning on swapping a [rebult] engine, so should I get to planning or think about fixing the problem? Keep in mind, this is a daily driver, so as much as I want power, I also want fuel mileage (over 20), and with the "help" of other forum members, the next engine has essentially been selected.

Thanks dudes and dudettes,
Sperlo

Check compression, and leak down if you can. Check PCV (and EGR too?). Any oil in the coolant?

Next fill up, just put in some DM3 atf to top it off and let it ride. I have a feeling the oil rings are the culprit to the consumption outside of a bum PCV.

No oil in the coolant. I'll look into the valves, but from what it appears, the leak is coming from the rear main, but it's possible it's dripping from above where I can't see it. I'll see if the gauge is working. If not, I'll borrow my fathers.

Another thing to keep in mind, the 91 Lima Ranger has 8 plugs, 8 wires, and two coil packs.

Ranger50 wrote: Next fill up, just put in some DM3 atf to top it off and let it ride. I have a feeling the oil rings are the culprit to the consumption outside of a bum PCV.

I'll check out the PCV today and do as suggested.

N Sperlo wrote: Another thing to keep in mind, the 91 Lima Ranger has 8 plugs, 8 wires, and two coil packs.

But the driver's side plugs and coils is nothing but waste spark.... Unplug the coils and test away.

In reply to Ranger50:

Yep. Just making sure all were familiar. I'm pretty sure you are lol.

Have you smell tested the oil for fuel?

The oil smells like oil and looks like oil? The fuel smells like fuel. Might be running a little fat.

I've never "smell tested."

leaking or burning? "wasting" is not specific enough to make a recommendation.

Leaking. Big puddles below bell housing. It seems to leak (or drip) for a period after the truck stops. It may be what's left over from the leaking while its running. That would be my guess. Exhaust looks like it may be burning a small amount as well.

I can't remember but does that rear main seal bolt to the block? If it does, did you RTV it to the block and oil pan?

From underneath, is the hose going to the crankcase breather under the intake on the breather? Or is the breather still in the block?

i'm going to guess that the rear main seal was not installed correctly, or was damaged during installation.

The rear main just slips in place. It was lashing there before, I think, but I had the truck for approximately two weeks before the the clutch blew. The flywheel got a wobble before I even got out off the driveway, so that may have damaged the seal. The engine didn't run much in that condition, though.

Putting dye in tonight to locate the exact location in case I'm wrong. I'm not too worried about it because I expect to need the engine swap before the year is up.

I'll check into the breather.

No clue on the breather. I

Sorry if things are hard to read. The dentist just said its too hard to read my x-rays because he can't see through all the fillings. Off to the specialist tomorrow to prep for the root canal.

Survey says the oil is coming from above the bell housing... and spraying all over the underbody.

Morning. I updated late last night.

Only things above the BH is a head gasket or valve cover gasket leaking.....

where is the oil pressure sending unit on this vehicle? in general, that's a very common pressurized oil leak, and they'll flow more than you might expect.

the oil pressure sender is on the drivers side of the the cylinder head, at the back by the firewall.

AngryCorvair wrote: where is the oil pressure sending unit on this vehicle? in general, that's a very common pressurized oil leak, and they'll flow more than you might expect.

Good call. OPSU is on the back of the head on the driver's side. Probably hidden good by the intake manifold. I forgot it was up that high.

N Sperlo wrote: Survey says the oil is coming from above the bell housing... and spraying all over the underbody.

well, look at the good news. That oil will keep things from rusting

Ranger50 wrote:

AngryCorvair wrote: where is the oil pressure sending unit on this vehicle? in general, that's a very common pressurized oil leak, and they'll flow more than you might expect.

Good call. OPSU is on the back of the head on the driver's side. Probably hidden good by the intake manifold. I forgot it was up that high.

And quite possibly the culprit. The oil is more on the diver's side than passenger. I'll be checking compression before the fix because I'm not too keen on fixin' what'll be breakn' tomorra. I may, though... I may...

I went through this exact same thing with my fake-SVO. thought the rear main must be blown. Turned out to be the oil pressure switch.

belteshazzar wrote: I went through this exact same thing with my fake-SVO. thought the rear main must be blown. Turned out to be the oil pressure switch.

So the seal around the outside went out? Looks like a cheap & easy fix, but you never know with sensors. I assume like most other sensors, the whole thing will be replaced.