1983 Ford Ranger Diesel

[rkim777]

Hi. I hope this isn't off-topic too much but I just bought a diesel pickup truck, 1983 Ford Ranger, and it needs an oil change. The local Precision Tune quoted me a price of $56.90 which threw me since I've never had a diesel vehicle before and am used to price ranges of $15-$25 for my car.

I want to change the oil myself now and was wondering the least expensive but reliable kind of filter and motor oil to use. Also, any other tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Bob

 

[86turbodsl]

Shell Rotella T 15W-40 oil, WIX filter. Simple and probably under $20 for everything. You'll have to do it though.

 

[dmccarty]

I wonder if they heard it was a Ford and thought it had a 6.0/7.3L engine. How many quarts does your engine take? How many miles on it? I did not realize that Rangers had diesels in them in 83. Course in 83 I was looking at buying a Z28 not a truck... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Later,
Dan

 

[Soundguy]

I agree with the others.. either hit a napa and ask for an appropriate diesel rated oil, and filter for that truck/engine.

You could also consult the dreaded 'manual'. for oil recomendation.

I'm guessing you will end up with some kind of fleet specc'd 15/40 oil..

Soundguy

 

[rkim777]

Thank you, 86turbodsl. The local Precision Tune Autocare shop wanted to charge me $56.90 for this oil change and I balked. I'm used to the $14-$20 oil changes there with my car, not the high cost of the diesel oil change.

I greatly appreciate your help.

Bob

 

[rkim777]

Dan, I apologize that I don't know much about my truck. I bought it on a whim last Friday after seeing it in the local pennysaver magazine. I have on order the Chilton's for it. It is my first diesel. The odometer says 58,824 but I have a feeling it is at least 158,824 miles based on how old and beat up it is. The title chain says it was only owned by one other owner before being sold to the dealer that I bought it from. It was definitely used as a work truck based on how dinged up it is.

The reason I got it was I wanted an inexpensive pickup truck that I could bang around without remorse as I do a bit of hauling and I wanted a diesel "to kill two birds with one stone" since I read about conversion kits that allow diesel vehicles to run off of used vegetable oil from restaurants. If you're curious, I refer you to www.greasecar.com and www.greasel.com as I saw these websites in the most recent Budget Living magazine. The Greasel kit got a good review, the other one was not reviewed but I'm leaning towards it since it has an aluminum tank versus Greasel supplying a plastic one. I'm more curious to see how well this conversion kit really works as opposed to wanting to save fuel money.

Sorry I can't answer your questions in depth about the engine as I don't know myself. If you're really curious, I'll be glad to keep you updated as soon as I get that Chilton's manual.

Bob

 

[rkim777]

Thank you for the input, Soundguy. I hope they don't lead me to the most expensive stuff just to make a bigger profit, though. Not worth the extra money for a beat-up 1983 truck.

Bob

 

[shadowone]

sell it before it bites you. ex ford dealer

 

[Soundguy]

At my local napa, they have pretty much valvolene products. That includes the stuff for gas engines.. and their 'fleet' products for diesel. Just look for their diesel oils and grab a 15/40 The filter should be listed up in thier application chart.

Soundguy

 

[86turbodsl]

Your vehicle has a Mazda 2.2L engine based on the old cast iron head series engines mazda designed back in the 60's. Good dependable engine. Parts availability might be tough, but you shouldn't really have any problems. Spring for the Factory service manual on ebay or a swap meet.
Keep it and run the wheels off. - 86turbodsl = an EX- Ford Powertrain engineer