i have a ford ranger that has sat idle for 18 months.any tips i shoul know before getting it going again?

Answer 1

Depending on the size and type of the engine, and if the transmission is a stick or an automatic, there are several things you should do. 1.) Change the oil and filter. Summer weight oil is 5W-30 and is recommended by Ford. (I recommend Havoline) 2.) remove the spark plugs and squirt in about a teaspoon of fresh oil in each cylinder. This is so you don't break a compression ring after the engine sitting so long. If the spark plugs look nasty, replace them. (Use Autolite plugs for best results.) 3.)Check the coolant level in the radiator, and fill to full. *(You really should do this with the engine running, so do it after you have inspected everything else!) 4.) Check all belts and hoses for cracks and leaks. 5.)Make sure the battery is fully charged, so you don't overstress the starter. 6.) Check all fuses in the fuse box. 7.) Check the transmission fluid; (auto transmission only..) 8.) Check the air filter; if it's dirty, replace it! 9.) Check the air pressure in the tires, and inspect the tread. 10.) Check the brake fluid level and fill to full with DOT-3 fluid, unless otherwise marked on the master cylinder top. Once you've done all that, you should be ready to start the engine. Drive it gently for the first 100 miles to make sure it runs properly. Inspect the oil AGAIN after 100 miles to make sure it's full, and clean. If it's dirty , change it AGAIN. Then, if it's a high milage engine, change it every 2000 miles, and check the oil level every time you fill up with gas. Unless you are a mechanic, have a shop you trust inspect the brakes and check the fluid levels in the differential and the transmission, if it is a stick. Also, there might be a "Slave cylinder" for the hydrolic clutch if you have a stick. Check the fluid level on that too. It looks like the brake fluid container on the master brake cylinder, only smaller, and the lines go to the manual transmission. After that, you should be good to go. You may need to look at replacing spark plug wires, and distributor cap and rotor. (If your engine has a distributor.) Otherwise, just spark plug wires on vehicles with coil pack ignition systems.

Answer 2

Yes. I am a quality manager for a component repair company. We rebuild engines and transmissions.
I know you don't want to rebuild the whole engine so I will suggest this:
The fuel is now very gummy. I would flush the fuel system.
The seals on the engine have been half-sitting in oil. The top of them might be dry and brittle. Change all fluids.
After you do all that, cross your fingers and start it up. You might have to eventually get the motor rebuilt (I would) but it may run for a long time before you have to. Gaskets and seals should be replaced once you get that oil leak. Leaks only get bigger and hazwaste laws make it expensive.

Answer 3

You are going to want some fresh gas, so drain the old. Then you probably want to change the rest of the fluids; oil, coolant, transmission fluid..... If that doesnt do it, take it in and have a tune up done. Then if all that Fails..... Guess you should have bought a CHEVY.