What would you do?

[JhnZ33]

Since taking a new position at my workplace, I have been too busy to do routine maintenance on my 99 Ranger. So being that my truck was due for an oil change, I took it to the Ford dealer 2 blocks from work. As they could do it right then and there, I decided to wait for it. The mechanic comes out with the oil plug and shows me a tan milky substance mixed with oil on the plug. I know what that means - coolant in the oil, which he confirms. Which explains the coolant disappearing from the overflow and the rough idle.

So here's my dillema - as it could be heads as well as head gaskets, it's going to be a little pricey to repair - in the neighborhood of $1500 the dealer said. With the motor having a little over 96,000 miles on it, I don't want to sink this kind of money into it and then have lower engine problems down the road.

I certainly can't afford for them to swap it with a rebuilt motor ($4000) and would that be a cost effective choice? The other route is to get a motor from an auto salvage yard, but that's pot luck. You may get one in the same or worse shape than what you have.

The rest of the truck is in fantastic shape, as my brother, who owns a body shop, just helped me get it back together 2 years ago (all new paint new Ford replacement body panels, etc.).

In light of this, what would you do?

 

[RangerX]

Which engine do you have, 4.0, 3.0, or 4 cyl?

 

[chbtech]

Just my experience but I've found that it's better to repair the existing motor than put a different motor in....fewer complcations. If you didn't develop any bottom end problems so far because of oil contamination, then chances are good IMO that the bottom end will be OK. You obviously like the truck, having just done the body. So my thinking would be to bite the bullet and replace the heads and gaskets. Who knows, it might just be the gaskets which would lower the cost.

 

[JhnZ33]

Which engine do you have, 4.0, 3.0, or 4 cyl?

4.0 vin X

 

[JhnZ33]

Just my experience but I've found that it's better to repair the existing motor than put a different motor in....fewer complcations. If you didn't develop any bottom end problems so far because of oil contamination, then chances are good IMO that the bottom end will be OK. You obviously like the truck, having just done the body. So my thinking would be to bite the bullet and replace the heads and gaskets. Who knows, it might just be the gaskets which would lower the cost.

Thanks for your input. It is much appreciated. Yes, I do like the truck. Other than the recent issues with the head gasket, the truck has been wonderful. I can't see myself getting a different vehicle because I cannot afford new and buying used in my price range may get me even more trouble. I know my truck inside and out, something I wouldn't know with another used vehicle.

I need 4-wheel drive because my commute to work takes me 25 miles through the mountains of eastern PA one way, where snow is always a concern in the winter. If I can't get to work, I can't get paid.

JJP

 

[RangerX]

I agree with chbtech's thoughts above. I would get a quote from somewhere other than a dealer! That would bring the price down.