2.3L ('83-'97) 83 2.3 L in a 76 Pinto

[bdog0924]

Lots of oil up top. When I turned it over with the valve cover off, after loss of compression, oil was squirting everywhere. I had a mess to clean up. I jumped the solenoid so I could watch. Not my first Ford, by the way.

 

[bdog0924]

I saw another thread on here before I signed up. It was about a similar issue and the same engine. I can't find it anymore. I believe the thread was 2014.

 

[Brain75]

try using google search and searching with the site specified if you think it was here:

Google Search

alwaysfloored and I both asked for something you haven't done - setup for a leakdown and see where the engine is not sealing, if it is consistently always intake valves or exhaust valves that might say something, if it is both that might say something else.... and of course what we want to hear you ruled out leak "somewhere else" too...

 

[bdog0924]

I don't know what or how to do a leakdown test. I'm just a weekend warrior that does a project every few years.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Leak down is a more involved test similar to compression test. It involves supplying air to each cylinder at a controlled pressure, typically at 100psi, and comparing the pressure reading in the cylinder. So if you supply 100psi, and read 65psi at cylinder, there is a problem. Then you would listen for where the air is leaking out; crankcase=rings, exhaust=exhaust valve, etc...
This can pinpoint where the problem is.
Sometimes local atuoparts places will have tools the will lend out with a deposit.

 

[Brain75]

not a worry, I didn't know how until I had to learn to fix my '48 (motor was last rebuilt in 52 and was just totally wore out).

We aren't going to get an actual leakdown test done since we know it is leaking, we are just gonna go through the steps and figure out where the leak is.

my internet is sucking right now so I haven't watched the whole thing (it keeps buffering), but this one claims to be pretty DIY.

All it is as far as tools is an air compressor and your compression test gauge (if it has a schrader valve on the side) and maybe a couple fittings and a scrader (if your gauge doesn't).

You are looking for air coming out oil dipstick, bubbling up coolant, out the intake, out the tailpipe etc - look at every hole/place things go into/out of the engine

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

"We aren't going to get an actual leakdown test done since we know it is leaking, we are just gonna go through the steps and figure out where the leak is."
Good point!

 

[Brain75]

finally finished watching the video.. don't think the 2.3 has enough "tightness" to resist the pressure, so use a breaker bar on the end of the crank to keep motor from spinning when you push air in. (set parking brake if it is a manual and in gear.... my 48 lurched forward and kinda scared me on the first cylinder I did.)

 

[bdog0924]

Thank you, guys. I ended up talking to the guy that did my head again and today he came and took the whole car. He said he would get back to me. He also thought (if we can) installing adjustable lifters in would be a good idea. I sent him the link to this thread.

 

[19Walt93]

I just went out to my storage. There is a 2.3l that I got in trade for some work. It has been built for salt lakes racing, so not stock...
However, I think it would be based on stock type engine. There is no hydraulic lifters. There are no lifters at all. There is a place to adjust the ball end of the rockers to provide clearances needed at the valve tip. Does yours look similar to this? If so you need to back off the adjusters because as the engine heats the clearances close up. And if too close to start with the valves will end up not closing onto the seats when warmed up. This is what it sounds like is happening....

View attachment 122693View attachment 122694

First pic, left side, under the spring is where the adjustment is made. To the right in between the valve stem and rocker is where the measurements for clearance would be taken with feeler gauges. Generally the intake would have less clearance than the exhaust.

Those are hot rod parts, the factory lifters sit it the same holes but are not adjustable. The cam follower sits on the lifter on one end and the valve stem on the other and basically just absorbs the lash while still letting the valve fully close.

 

[19Walt93]

I've seen valves bind in the guises if there isn't enough clearance, that would be worth checking. Adding adjustable lifters would just cover the problem and not fix it.
When you say it loses compression you mean that the engine spins over fast like the plugs are out, right?

 

[bdog0924]

Yes, exactly.

 

[bdog0924]

Well, it's been a minute, but i believe i had a faulty oil pump. Seems to work fine now, if anyone was curious.

 

[bdog0924]

Well, I'm back. The Pinto runs great. I have put about 1,000 miles on it and did a car show. But I seem to be burning/using a lot of oil. The 2.3 is out of an '83 according to the block cast. The head was rebuilt, but i didn't do the bottom end. I don't know how many miles or last time it was ran. When driving, I run about 60 pounds of oil pressure. Start up is 80 pounds. Just wondering if I am missing something. Thank you

 

[scotts90ranger]

If it's not leaking I would assume it would be rings since the valve stem seals should be good.