I have a 1989 Ranger I4 2.3L with 180,000 miles on it.
What oil is recamended to use? Any additive to use?
Last oil change I used 10/40 and STP , what's good for this engine?
TNX Paul

 

Are you unhappy with the oil you used last time? You might want to bump up to a 15w/40, or, if you feel the need for a heavier weight oil (since you used the STP to increase the viscosity) perhaps a 20W/50. Valvoline makes an oil designed for higher mileage engines, haven't heard anything bad about it...

Oh, and make sure you use a good quality filter such as Motorcraft or Wix (NAPA's filters are made by WIX) and stay away from Fram.

 

I just want this engine to last a few more miles. I used the STP because I was worried about the lifters and low zinc oil. I'll look into the high milage oil, sounds good.
TNX Paul

 

Low zinc oil isn't really as much of a problem with an engine that's well broken in (and at 180K, I'd say that yours is certainly broken in!) but if you want a good oil with some zinc content in it, look to a diesel rated oil such as Delo 400 or Rotella T.

 

OK I'll look into it. TNX Tigerdan
Paul

 

Unless it is burning alot of oil I would stick to 5w30 or 10w30. Valvoline Maxlife has extra anti wear and friction additives. Seems to work well in my 99 Ranger four cyl.

 

The OHC 2.3 doesn't have the need for zinc that flat-tappet pushrod engines have due to the contact area between the cam and rocker. I run 10w30 in mine, with no issues, and it has a much newer cam (about 15k on it).