SVO style 2.3 Turbo motor, oil out of dipstick tube under boost

[pwrshft99]

Title sums it up basically. I have a 90k mile 2.3 turbo motor swapped into a 96 Ranger. Runs great, no smoke, good power etc. It makes about 10 psi. I have a vented catch can and no PCV valve.

I did drive the motor NA for awhile and it didnt have an oil consumption problem nor did it really lose any oil. A compression test checked out as well. Being 30 years old I cant expect the rings to seal perfectly but it seems to be healthy.

Figured someone on here must be old enough to remember these motors too!

 

[EatonEggbeater]

I've got a complete rebuilt one and 1985 computer from Paul Becker when he lived in Glen Burnie Maryland. I ought to do something with it...The car it was bought for rotted away.

 

[SolarYellow]

Start with the easy things first. Do you have the correct dipstick? Do you have too much oil?

Your rings are good? How about oil pressure?

 

[flash0080]

Make sure you have the correct pvc valve. Those should have a oneway check valve like the turbo coupes to keep from pressurizing the crankcase.

 

[pwrshft99]

I've got a complete rebuilt one and 1985 computer from Paul Becker when he lived in Glen Burnie Maryland. I ought to do something with it...The car it was bought for rotted away.


View attachment 1486552 View attachment 1486553

My motor was just as complete but I just haaad to have OBD2. LOTS of potential you got there!

 

[pwrshft99]

Start with the easy things first. Do you have the correct dipstick? Do you have too much oil?

Your rings are good? How about oil pressure?

Dipstick came with motor, just factory oil pressure gauge but it reads OK. I changed oil recently so its at 5 quarts. I use a V8 filter for a bit more capacity.

 

[pwrshft99]

I ditched the PCV entirely. There is a plastic elbow in its place routed to my catch can.

Make sure you have the correct pvc valve. Those should have a oneway check valve like the turbo coupes to keep from pressurizing the crankcase.

 

[Voltwings]

What exactly is routed to the catch can? Crankcase and valve cover, with no other ways for air to get in or out? Do you currently have any check valves?

 

[pwrshft99]

What exactly is routed to the catch can? Crankcase and valve cover, with no other ways for air to get in or out? Do you currently have any check valves?

It routed as you described, valve cover and crankcase plumb to catch can. I have a push in breather on top of the can so basically the whole thing vents to the atmosphere. I have no check valves since didnt see a way boost could get in?

 

[thomas91169]

Old DSM trick, crimp the dipstick tube at the top every so slightly so it holds onto the dipstick tighter.

 

[Voltwings]

What size lines? Your lines just may be too small.

 

[pwrshft99]

Old DSM trick, crimp the dipstick tube at the top every so slightly so it holds onto the dipstick tighter.

I should have been more clear, its leaking at the base of the tube for sure, not out the top.

 

[pwrshft99]

What size lines? Your lines just may be too small.

Im using 1/2" heater hose from crankcase and valve cover

 

[99-venom]

If my memory serves me right, the 2.3 had a interference fit for the dip stick tube where it goes into the block. Little rtv will fix up a lose tube.

Got any pics of your 2.3 swap?

 

[pwrshft99]

If my memory serves me right, the 2.3 had a interference fit for the dip stick tube where it goes into the block. Little rtv will fix up a lose tube.

Got any pics of your 2.3 swap?

The tube has a lot of wiggle once seated in the hole. I made an attempt with some expoy to seal it jb there buy apparently it didnt take.

Heres a few picks, far from done and far from pretty. Truck is a mix of junkyard and Craigslist parts but its sounds great, gets lots of attention and still has potential IMO

 

[BigPoppa]

Man, I love the old Lima motors.

But, yeah, you just need to RTV around where the tube enters the block.

Be sure to thoroughly clean everywhere the RTV will sit with brake cleaner.

 

[2013GT'ed]

Thats a awesome truck. We need some videos man!!

 

[pwrshft99]

Thats a awesome truck. We need some videos man!!

Thanks man, right now I'm really frustrated with it. As much oil as I'm going thru, I can claim the world's only two stroke turbo ranger

 

[pwrshft99]

Man, I love the old Lima motors.

But, yeah, you just need to RTV around where the tube enters the block.

Be sure to thoroughly clean everywhere the RTV will sit with brake cleaner.

I will give that a try. I am looking for a better alternative in the aftermarket. I had a nick Lokar flexible dipstick on my 4.6 GT, it had a double o ring and looked great. Can't find much for old 2.3 anymore

 

[SolarYellow]

I'm putting on a C.C this week and I want to know if it needs to be emptied every so often.