Can any one help? I have a 88 4x4 ranger. I am constantly loosing water and the oil looks milky, Some people have told me that this might be the result from a blown head gasket. Is this true or has anyone else had a similar problem that was caused by something else??

 

To your Q's: Yes, and thank God no. [&:][8D]

 

I figured it was going to be a blown head, I was just hopin that it was something different b/c that is goin to cost an arm and leg to fix. But just the same I appreciate the help cctxfish.

 

Yeppers. sounds like a blown gaskit -- now if thats all it is you should be able to get away for about $ 50.00 if u do the work yourself. now you gotta figure out does the head need work ? lots of miles while its off you could have a valve job done? , dont forget to flush the system an get that nasty oil outta there , I had a friend that drove his blazer around for 2 weeks like that , he just let it sit for a few hrs. drain the water outta the oil pan an fill the Rad up. I wouldnt suggest this, god knows what the lower end looked like after that, but it was a ole beater , he sold it as is for $ 1500.00 to some guy that was hard up for a lil blazer.....

 

How much trouble would it be if I was to decide to do it myself (with the help of my dad LOL)? Or would it be worth it just goin ahead and paying a well trusted mechanic in my area? Also how much would this usually cost havin someone else do it?? Precciate the help from all!!

 

Will its a bit of work, is it the 2.3L L4 or 2.9L V6? the 2.3 is easier then is the V6.
Parts are no problem, gaskit kit $50. Then add timing belt, maybe water pump, pulleys $65, and cap, rotor, wires, plugs, belts and filters, another $80 or so. Don't forget oil and anti-freeze. And a full weekend maybe 2, plus mechine shop $(head surface, maybe valve work?). This is probably better you do the work cause the truck value is low, mechanic cost will probably higher. I'd say go for-it! It will help you learn some things about cars and engines. MOSTLY YOU DON'T WANT TO DO THIS FOR A LIVING
On a scale of 1-10, 1 being easiest, and 10 very hard. This one is about 5-6, GOOD LUCK

 

The truck is a 2.9L V6 (manual[:@]), with 114k miles, shes in great condition besides the above situations. I would love to fix the truck myself and learn from it, but i do not have the time. Im only 17, workin 40 hours a week and playin high school football. Plus ive never had a project this big, as far as mechanical. Ive installed a radio and speakers and all that easy stuff, but when it comes to the motor all i know is the basics. So....bein that I have a good family friend that is a mechanic, I will probly let him go about fixin it so i can have my truck back in a jiffy.

 

then of course is removing of your manifolds and with any luck nothing breaks it is a big job like cctxfish has said ,exspecially if it is a 2.5l ,if you have lots of patience go for it ! if not dont touch it

 

YOU CAN DO IT !!!!! , get u a repair manuel , or down load it off , www.autozone.com-- it is a bit of a job-- is there any trade school in your area ? you might try there they just charge you for the parts -

 

Hey yea, letting a trade school practise on it, is a great idea and cheap way to go, but not so sure about jiffy.