Refinishing - Ford Ranger Maintaince And Repair Manual

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
CONNECTING ROD
You should have the connecting rod checked for straightness at a machine shop. If the connecting rod is bent,
it will unevenly wear the bearing and piston, as well as place greater stress on these components. Any bent or
twisted connecting rods must be replaced. If the rods are straight and the wrist pin clearance is within
specifications, then only the bearing end of the rod need be checked. Place the connecting rod into a vice, with
the bearing inserts in place, install the cap to the rod and torque the fasteners to specifications. Use a
telescoping gauge and carefully measure the inside diameter of the bearings. Compare this reading to the rods
original crankshaft journal diameter measurement. The difference is the oil clearance. If the oil clearance is
not within specifications, install new bearings in the rod and take another measurement. If the clearance is still
out of specifications, and the crankshaft is not, the rod will need to be reconditioned by a machine shop.
You can also use Plastigage® to check the bearing clearances. The assembling section has complete
instructions on its use.
Camshaft
Inspect the camshaft and lifters/followers as described earlier in this section.
Bearings
All of the engine bearings should be visually inspected for wear and/or damage. The bearing should look
evenly worn all around with no deep scores or pits. If the bearing is severely worn, scored, pitted or heat
blued, then the bearing, and the components that use it, should be brought to a machine shop for inspection.
Full−circle bearings (used on most camshafts, auxiliary shafts, balance shafts, etc.) require specialized tools
for removal and installation, and should be brought to a machine shop for service.
Oil Pump
The oil pump is responsible for providing constant lubrication to the whole engine and so it is
recommended that a new oil pump be installed when rebuilding the engine.
Completely disassemble the oil pump and thoroughly clean all of the components. Inspect the oil pump gears
and housing for wear and/or damage. Insure that the pressure relief valve operates properly and there is no
binding or sticking due to varnish or debris. If all of the parts are in proper working condition, lubricate the
gears and relief valve, and assemble the pump.

REFINISHING

Almost all engine block refinishing must be performed by a machine shop. If the cylinders are not to be
rebored, then the cylinder glaze can be removed with a ball hone. When removing cylinder glaze with a ball
hone, use a light or penetrating type oil to lubricate the hone. Do not allow the hone to run dry as this may
cause excessive scoring of the cylinder bores and wear on the hone. If new pistons are required, they will need
to be installed to the connecting rods. This should be performed by a machine shop as the pistons must be
installed in the correct relationship to the rod or engine damage can occur.
478 INSPECTION