89+ heads on an older block (2.9)

chrisser · Nov 22, 2013

I'm pretty sure this is the case, but I couldn't find a definite answer in my searches...

Will the revised (89TM?) later heads fit up to an earlier block and lower intake?

I read that the valve covers are slightly different.

I have an '87 with a cracked head. There are 3 Rangers/Broncoiis at the local junkyard, and two of them are 89+ (I realize that even some 89's had the early heads, so I'm assuming they'll interchange).

Don't want to go through all the effort to pull a head in the cold and snow only to come home and find it won't bolt up...

dave2575 · Nov 22, 2013

Ya they will work on 86 to 92 blocks and intake.
www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_9_Page.html

adsm08 · Nov 22, 2013

You will be good to go. Just get the valve covers too.

chrisser · Nov 22, 2013

Thanks guys!

chrisser · Nov 23, 2013

Back from the junkyard.

Only one of the three Rangers had a 2.9. It was an 89 iirc.

The heads have the square rocker pedestals, so I think they're the revised ones.

I was fortunate that someone had taken the whole intake off already - only had to pull the alternator and brackets and the exhaust manifold.

I ended up breaking 5 of the 6 exhaust manifold bolts, but enough is sticking out that I think I can still get them out without drilling and tapping if I use a little heat.

Was tempted to grab the other side, but the exhaust bolt heads were so rusted they just rounded off (curious that it's the same on mine - passenger side is easy to get off, drivers side is significantly more rusty), and since I didn't really need it, I left it for now. Plus the valve cover was missing on that side and I'll need that. Mostly, though, I was freezing.

Also picked up an oil dipstick (mine was rusted into almost nothing) and a brake reservoir (mine's oddly chalky and deteriorated).

Have a lot of work to do before putting it together, but Summit has the head gasket kit and bolts in stock and they're local to me, so I can pick them up whenever I'm ready.

chrisser · Dec 26, 2013

Following up...

I finished putting the engine together last night.

I got the replacement head, then disassembled, cleaned and reassembled both heads.

I ended up leaving the block in the chassis. I wanted to pull it and go over it since the heads were out, but I don't have the room to do that inside and it's too cold. Figured I could get it to limp to spring if I had to.

So, with the plugs out of it and a new oil pressure gauge installed, I hooked up the battery last night and cranked the starter. After a few tries, I got 40psi at 1500RPM. The manual specs 40-50psi at 2000RPM. I assume the reading in the manual should be at running temp.

I'm running 5w30 oil right now, and it's pretty cold in the garage, so I expect the oil pressure to be a little bit low, but possibly still within the spec when the engine warms up. If not, I may try a heavier weight oil to get the pressure up a bit.

I'm going to attempt to start it tonight for the first time in a few months.

89+ heads on an older block (2.9)

chrisser

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dave2575

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adsm08

Senior Master Grease Monkey

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