2.9 clicks like it has a stuck lifter

89ranger4x4 · Aug 29, 2013

Hey all, I bought this 89 Ranger 4x4 so i could have a truck again but it needed the head gasket replaced. I replaced them and still haven't been able to get the power up where it should be. It acts like it isn't running on all cylinders and i fight to keep it at any speed above 55 mph. I'm absolutely lost and I'm wondering if it would be easier to put a 3.0 v6 in it and would it bolt right in and what would i need to change to get it to work? Any help would be appreciated.

RonD · Aug 30, 2013

The 2.9l to 4.0l would be a simpler swap, they used the same block, and the power difference is noticeable.
The 3.0l is a completely different engine design, and not much difference power wise than the 2.9l, if it was working

Whats the compression like on the 2.9l?

Dirty fuel filter can limit power.
Can of Seafoam in the tank can clean up injectors, I do it once a year now, because I am cheap and use regular gas that doesn't have the cleaner additives, lol.

The computer(PCM) can't monitor fuel pressure, it assumes 30-35psi pressure at the injectors, so opens the injectors with that pressure in mind, if pressure is lower then engine gets starved for fuel.
If the Fuel Pressure Regulator(FPR) on the fuel rail leaks, raw fuel can be sucked into the engine making it run rich, grey smoke,

TFI ignition does have it's problems:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/TFI_Diagnostic.html

Ticking lifters is common on the 2.9l, bad oil system design
Good read here about the 2.9l engine:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_9_Page.html

89ranger4x4 · Sep 1, 2013

With the 2.9 to 4.0 swap, would I get better gas mileage and would it bolt right in without swapping the tranny also?

RonD · Sep 1, 2013

MPG would be less with the 4.0l, about 2 MPG less
2.9l in BII should be 18-20MPG average
4.0l in BII should be 16-18MPG average but that's just based in the few who have done the swap and reported MPG.
BII's are not exactly aerodynamic, lol.

Yes, 2.9l and 4.0l used the same bolt pattern.
First sentence here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/InterchangingTansmissions.html

You also need the 4.0l computer and wiring harness, so not a simple swap.

89ranger4x4 · Sep 1, 2013

my trans code is T does that mean i need to swap the tranny also? and I'm averaging 10 to 13 mpg so that would be an increase for me

RonD · Sep 1, 2013

You have the A4LD automatic which was also used with the 4.0l until 1995, so it will bolt up

Have a read here about that transmission
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/AutoTrans.html

89ranger4x4 · Sep 1, 2013

If you were to put together a list of things that I will need for the 4.0 conversion, what would it consist of?

89ranger4x4 · Sep 1, 2013

By the way Ron D, thank you for all of the help that you have given me, it has been very helpful. Also, If I were to pull a 4.0 motor from a '91 to '94 Explorer and a wire harness from a 90 to 92 ranger, would they work without any modifications?

pcollins · Sep 3, 2013

as far as the gas mileage, I was getting 21mpg with a '97 4.0L 5 speed that had 150k miles on the clock, it was bone stock however. No lift or tires etc.

89ranger4x4 · Sep 4, 2013

I have 30 inch tires on my truck but when they need to be replaced, I'm going to put the stock 215/75R15 tires on. Any ideas on where to get a cheap computer and wiring harness in Utah? Even better, where can I find a 4.0l motor that actually runs?

2.9 clicks like it has a stuck lifter

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