The rings failed at about 120,000 miles and may be failing again. I have been told that it has serious blow by. This blow by is forcing oil up through the valve cover to the air cleaner then out through a drain hole.
The fuel pump failed at about 200,000 miles.
The oil pump started to go out at 180,000 miles.
The water pump started to leak at about 170,000 miles.
The blower for the air conditioner/heater failed at 80,000 miles and again at 210,000 miles.
The air conditioner continues to loose coolant if it is not run every other day.
Air conditioner updated to R134 at 246,000 miles.
Catalytic converter replaced at 40,000 miles and at 190,000 miles.
Valve cover loosens up all of the time starting 10 years ago.
The clutch went out at 60,000 miles and at 180,000.
The radiator started leaking at 60,000 miles.
Nice size for a small pickup used for city driving. I would love to keep it as a secondary vehicle, but the failing rings maybe the last straw. I cannot get anyone to give me a quote for a ring job so it will pass smog check in California. Everyone wants to rebuild the engine. With the engine oil going up through to the air cleaner would a ring job be enough to fix the problem?
My dad had an old mazda that smoked, the rings went. But I think its in your best interest to rebuild cause the truck is old and you will likely be replacing some other things soon anyways.
My friend bought the 89 truck. The truck is nothing but trouble. Had the motor rebuilt, 20,000 later broke again. Carb problems, radiator, fuel pump. Worst deal ever...