The carb had to be replaced because of debris from the old, replaced gas tank.
The engine smokes heavily at start-up, but dies down when warm. It has gotten worse since I've had it.
Engine overheats on hot days and high speeds.. I believe this is caused by plugged ports, bad rad, or a weak water pump, and probably contributed to the smoking problem over time.
Seats have worn, but its been around for a while.
I wish I could find a replacement for this truck.. but since that's not easy up here in rust land, I'll probably rebuild this one. It gets great mileage and runs very strong, much more so than the 4x4 version. I'm hoping I can reduce the smoking problem by replacing the valve guide seals, or worse case a valve job. A fairly new engine can be bought for $600 from a california company (they get them from japan with low miles) but shipping to New England quickly inflates that price another $700.
This has been a great work truck, and with studded snows it runs great in the winter too. Why oh why did Mazda ever agree to merge with FORD??? Ford hasn't a clue how to build cheap, reliable vehicles that last.
Those who have owned ford rangers would beg to differ.
I have the same truck and it also smokes when you start it. I just had a valve job and it still smokes so it couldn't be the valves. I think it's the rings actually.
I had same prob wit mine, did inframe ring jb... ring did not seat prop.. few thou later did major (proper) job. tight & right eversince..over200 thou (km)...pricey thou. capt rob.
Mine just turned 236,000 miles. I get 27MPG. Motor oil is changed every 3000 miles (Pennzoil). No exhaust smoke at all. It's an extended cab. (Ziebart), the only rust is along the top side of the tailgate (very minor). At times I think about selling it. Then I ask myself - WHY?
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