Alrighty guys,

I have a '96 2.3L Ranger. Has about 250k miles on it.

Recently, because of my negligence she overheated. There was no antifreeze in the engine. Next day, the car wouldn't start. I researched a bit. Did a compression test and found out I had low compression. Figured I had a problem with my cylinder head so I took it out and took it to a machine shop. I have just found out that the head is beyond repair due to cracks and what not. Also, one of the freeze plugs had a hole in it. Not sure how bad that really is. Anyway, the guy said he could order me a new head, but what I'm wondering is if my engine was that hot, how bad can the block be? The cylinders seem to be in pretty good condition, no rusting, and very smooth. How can I inspect the block and make sure ordering a new head won't be a waste of time and money?

The only bright side to not having a vehicle, I get to ride my bike everywhere and get strong legs, but it's gettin cold outside.

Let me know what you guys think!

Thanks!

 

I'd pull the block and disassemble it. Check bore and taper on cylinders and check the block deck. With that mileage, the crank probably should be turned. New bearings for the mains and rods. New oil pump. All new bearings and seals. If deck and bores check out, a quick hone job new rings and your short block will be ready to go. New Complete head (use new head bolts) a new timing belt and water pump and you should be good for another 200k.

 

I think I forgot to mention that I'm in no way a mechanic. I don't really have the resources to be able to pull the block out. And I'm also strapped for cash. Would it be worth it to just fix this thing or just get a new car? Haha

 

Rebuild is less expensive than a new car/truck. Check salvage yard for good engine. Shouldn't be too expensive.

 

Would you recommend this to someone that has never taken the engine of a full-size vehicle apart?

I don't have an engine hoist, but was surprised to see that you can get them for under $200. How much should I expect to pay to replace the block?

 

depends on the prices for used engines in your area. if the truck is a beat up ranger with 250k, you should step back and decide weather or not its worth fixing. there are many other rangers out there. is a motor swap worth your time?

 

at that mileage i don't think a new head would be my first choice thats a good chunk of money to throw down only to have the bottom end let go in a short time. Sounds like the engine was on borrowed time to begin with if it had no antifreeze in it it had to be leaking somewhere so for the money of a new head you could get a decent low mileage used engine and be at a better starting point. Swapping the entire engine is not to complex and can pretty much be done with basic tools. But if you have no experience building engines id say not to even attempt rebuilding. Thats a lot of money in rebuild parts and if you mess up a torque spec or don't get exactly the right bearing sizes for mains and rods you'll end up throwing that money away from lack of experience. A swap of the same motor would probably be your best bet and if you had the tools to pull the head you probably have what you need to swap motors.