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Author Topic: 2.8L thread  (Read 7573 times)

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Offline 78_starsky

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2.8L thread
« on: March 28, 2010, 11:37:36 AM »
Hi guys (and gals),  I have looked all over this wonderful and informative website, and can't find many threads on the 2.8L. so I thought I would start this topic here. (I have no idea if this is the proper section to start this for I have kinda noticed that there are topics and posts all over the place under any section that seem out of place) with that said, let me get to the heart of this thread.

I belong to another website that is dedicated to Ford Rangers, (I am not promoting this site) however, I wanted to pass on the tech section that they have. Here is a great short and sweet break down of the 2.8L motor.

The reason for starting this thread is to ask you guys if you know of other websites that have good information about the 2.8L ?

I am in the starting process of getting one going that has been parked for over 18 years and I am looking for other guys who have tips on rebuilding these engines.

here is a link to the TRS site for 2.8L:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_8L_Performance.html

Here is a link to the dedicated 2.8L forums.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=64

Hope this info might help others, and please post up any 2.8L websites here that you know of.

I have rebuilt a 4.0L and cammed it out. When I get into rebuilding the 2.8L I am still on the fence about spending the extra Dollars for the upgrades. who here has done this route and what pros and cons have you run into?

cheers
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Offline beicholz

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Re: 2.8L thread
« Reply #1 on: June 02, 2010, 01:45:14 PM »
Thanks for doing this!   Just found it today.   I am amazed at the performance of this engine...smoot h, quiet, etc.     This will be very helpful.
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Offline Pintopower

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Re: 2.8L thread
« Reply #2 on: June 02, 2010, 04:11:09 PM »
Very Nice! Thanks for the heads up!
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I have many Pintos, I like them....
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...Like i said, I like them.
...and I have 4 Fiats.

Offline dave1987

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Re: 2.8L thread
« Reply #3 on: June 03, 2010, 12:09:56 AM »
I figure this is a good a place as any to post this, seeing as it's the 2.8L thread...

Scott just posted a welcome post for a new member. I noticed his post count was 2800 now.....First thing that popped into my head was "2.8L V6?!?".  :surprised: :P
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Offline beicholz

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Re: 2.8L thread
« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2010, 10:46:45 PM »
Regarding hot-running 2.8L.....

Many folks have said the 2.8 is a hot-running engine.   Here's the experience of a newbie.

My 2.8L with 40K miles was dumping coolant after every trip.  After much angst, I found that the coolant was leaking due to a bad radiator cap...letting out coolant for no reason.

But...

I was also scared to learn that when I installed a temp gauge, the engine always ran between 200 and 210 degrees.   So....I took it to a big shop that specializes in radiators only (LA Radiators).   The mechanic smiled, and immediately knew I had a 2.8L Pinto.   Here's what he said:

* For stop and go traffic (lot's of waiting, and then 15 - 20 MPH and then waiting again in warm weather), 210 is not bad, and probably expected (that's my situation....w hen I drive in cool weather on the freeway, the temp goes way down).

* The temp can go much higher than 210 before there's a problem.

* If you want to increase cooling a bit, you can add a 7 blade fan (base car has a 5 blade)

* Having a temp guage is a great idea...Idiot Lights are not adequate in 35 year old cars.

Anyway, these guys are known as the cooling experts in LA and they appear to know Pintos.   Hopefully he's right, because with the new cap, my car runs like a champ!

I know some other club members think 180 - 190 is better.
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Offline 78_starsky

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Re: 2.8L thread
« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2010, 09:34:58 AM »
"beicholz"

Just thought about something and wanted to ask,  you are running mixed water and anti-freeze right?  and not 100% straight anti-freeze (non-premixed).  100% anti-freeze will run hot if not mixed 50/50 with water. (non-premixed that is).

cheers
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Offline beicholz

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Re: 2.8L thread
« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2010, 10:31:19 AM »
Good question, Starsky....I will find out today.   My mechanic filled it, not me.   To my eye, it looks like 100% coolant / antifreeze.
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1973 Pinto Squire, 59K Miles, 2.0, Auto P/B, A/C
1972 VW Karmann Ghia Convert. (Red/Black), 2K Miles on restoration, One Owner
1972 Chevy Vega (virtual owner - in the junkyard)
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Offline beicholz

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Re: 2.8L thread
« Reply #7 on: January 13, 2012, 09:00:09 AM »
Starsky,

After using the input from this site and from my mechanic, I concluded that thge 2.8 engine just runs fine around 210 degrees.  And yes, I was using a standard mix of water and coolant.   Ultimately, I decided to sell my V6 for a Squire with the 2.0.   For me, the 2.8 didn't really act like like a 6.   It hated to rev...and basically just made a lot of noise when I accelerated.  Other than that, it ran great.   I like the 2.0 because it feels at least a little more like it wants to be driven.   I'm sure the 2.3 is even better.   But the grass is always greener....any one have a picture perfect 2.3 Squire?  :-[
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1973 Pinto Squire, 59K Miles, 2.0, Auto P/B, A/C
1972 VW Karmann Ghia Convert. (Red/Black), 2K Miles on restoration, One Owner
1972 Chevy Vega (virtual owner - in the junkyard)
2011 Subaru Outback 4WD
1 Yam. Golf Cart: Our "car" on Catalina Island

Offline bbobcat75

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Re: 2.8L thread
« Reply #8 on: January 13, 2012, 10:07:21 AM »
that was a cool site thanks for the heads up!!!
 
 
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