jaybee
Junior Member
Posts: 51
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Post by jaybee on Sept 29, 2004 7:03:24 GMT -5
And man, does this thing redefine slow!!!! I am really wondering if there must be something wrong like a plugged muffler, incorrect timing, or governor issues.
It starts instantly even when cold and idles great. It feels very torquey when you let out the clutch, but it doesn't want to accelerate for anything. I have only driven it in the dark last night and fog this morning so I cannot say if it's smoking or not. I just can't imagine it being a sellable vehicle if this is the performance they had when new.
Any suggestions on where to start? And yes - the muffler was going to come off soon anyway...
Thanks,
Jason
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Post by Mazdadieselsrule on Oct 1, 2004 21:21:34 GMT -5
See I told you they were slow. I wouldnt mess with anything, its how it is and will always be unless you shove it from behind with a power stroke or something. Its why they dumped the Mazda and went to a turbo charged Mitsu engine and 5 spd in 85. The 83-84's were just too d**n slow. But slow can be good too. Again, dont try messing with it, just get used to it. That truck is too heavy for that engine esp with all that junk running off it thanks to the folks at Dorf, I mean Ford. I know of an 84 with cruise control, can you imagine cruise on one of those slugs on a hill?!?!?!??!!?! No way it could be left on going up hill . John.
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Post by Jaybee on Oct 3, 2004 9:52:05 GMT -5
Well, after getting a couple of hundred miles on it I'm happy to say it's picked up some power. It had been sitting for a while - probably several years since last being driven. I loaded the tank with Stanadyne lubricity formula, and it seems to have worked some magic. Either that or I've gotten VERY used to going that slow.
The OD gear definitely was a good thing. Yesterday I shocked myself - I managed to hit 92mph on the interstate going down a gradual hill! It runs quite happy at about 80 in 5th as long as it's not too much of an upgrade. I'm not trying to race the thing, but it was fun to see what it could do...
I found a manual steering box, so the power steering pump's days are numbered. I also plan on swapping the clutch fan out for an electric one...
Jason
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Post by Mazdadieselsrule on Oct 3, 2004 11:39:09 GMT -5
Jason if the fan clutch is working properly it should kick out after a few minutes when the engine is first started and shouldnt engage unless the engine is running hotter than normal which is rare unless a repair is needed one way or another causing it to do so. I wiould leave it on unless it doesnt shut off. Its a Mazda one and is a good one. Btw I have a fan clutch adapter plate and a throttle cable for a Ranger diesel I found in the garage if you want them for the price of mailing their yours. John.
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jaybee
Junior Member
Posts: 51
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Post by jaybee on Oct 5, 2004 8:31:50 GMT -5
Well, the truck now has manual steering - and really drives much better because of it. The power was way too strong when you were moving - but it was nice when going really slow. Plus, getting rid of the p/s mess now lets me see the injection pump for the first time!
I guess I will leave the fan alone. The ones on my RX-7's always worked very well; might as well stay with it. Only thing is mine seems very loose when cold. On the RX-7's they always were tight till they spun for a few seconds.
So, are you saying that you have the entire fan clutch or just the adapater plate? Not sure why I'd need just the adapter plate, but the throttle cable is a definite yes! I'll send you an email in a minute with my address - then just let me know how much to ship it. Also - I can do paypal or just mail it to you.
I would really like to have that spare engine you have, but the shipping is a killer on the deal. You should go to the antique engine show in Coolspring, PA on the weekend of the 16th - I'll be there and probably in the ranger...
Thanks!
Jason
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Post by tesoro on Oct 5, 2004 13:41:45 GMT -5
My Mazda diesel runs better the harder you drive it ..when you get it up and running will cruise at 70-75 mph all day ..have installed 15 in tires with high profile tires to lower engine revs at this speed ....have been running these Perkins for 17 years ....purchased over 20 of them during this time ...still 6-7 left in the yard....anyone find an better main bearing for the tranny ?? Tesoro
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Post by Mazdadieselsrule on Oct 9, 2004 8:33:32 GMT -5
Jaybee a friend of mine is going to Coolsprings. I would love to go as I collect the F series Briggs engines but its a little far right now. I can ask him what he would want to haul it there for you? Tesoro, would you happen to have a good radiator for sale? I was going to re-core mine but if I can find a nice original that would be better. Thanks.John.
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Post by Dave on Oct 23, 2004 5:19:56 GMT -5
lol... there just like that....
nature of the beast... but a treat to drive...
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Post by Dave on Oct 23, 2004 5:29:44 GMT -5
Well, after getting a couple of hundred miles on it I'm happy to say it's picked up some power. It had been sitting for a while - probably several years since last being driven. I loaded the tank with Stanadyne lubricity formula, and it seems to have worked some magic. Either that or I've gotten VERY used to going that slow. The OD gear definitely was a good thing. Yesterday I shocked myself - I managed to hit 92mph on the interstate going down a gradual hill! It runs quite happy at about 80 in 5th as long as it's not too much of an upgrade. I'm not trying to race the thing, but it was fun to see what it could do... I found a manual steering box, so the power steering pump's days are numbered. I also plan on swapping the clutch fan out for an electric one... Jason hay Jaybe... i have been away from here for a while.. But id just like to comment on the electric fan. My old truck used an electric fan (i.e. it was always running once the key was clicked forward) in the winter, the engine really has an over-cooling problem, its hard for it to reach peak temperatures. this makes it more sluggish, in extream cold temps. I never liked pushing those little diesels real hard. not that they cant handle it, but they'l last longer if your gentle on their rpms. on the highway you can actually watch the heat guage go down. the clutch fan is the best, it should be somewhat stiff to spin when the motor isnt running. |
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Post by greyfoxx on Oct 25, 2004 15:16:21 GMT -5
Hi
I was wondering how you mated the tranny to the rearend. Did you modify the ford or the mazda driveshaft? After hearing the rear housing bushing stories , I would try to use a mazda perhaps. Maybe the weight of the ford truck is more and the larger driveshaft is needed. Has anyone weighed both the mazda and ford ranger with the diesels?
I have a 84 ranger with the 4 speed , and have the power train from a 84 mazda with the 5speed. Have considered a swap but even a rear end swap is easier that the tranny change unless it is broken. Arear end fronm a 6 cyclinder truck would inprove highway speed as well as 15" tires.
cheers
George ;D
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