Symptoms
Blue smoke on start-up or overrun, and oil consumption on a high-mileage 2.8. The Ranger Station says the original rubber valve seals deteriorate and leak oil into the cylinders.
The fix, step by step
- Remove a valve cover, then the spark plug and wire for the cylinder you're working on.
- Loosen the rocker-shaft stand bolts two turns at a time from the ends toward the middle, lift off the shaft and oil baffle, and remove both pushrods.
- Screw an air adapter into the 14 mm plug hole and pressurize the cylinder to hold the valves shut; if they won't hold, the seats are damaged and the head has to come off.
- Compress the spring, remove the keepers, retainer and spring, replace the seal and reassemble.
- Repeat on each cylinder, then reset the valve lash (0.014 in intake, 0.016 in exhaust).
Tools & part numbers
- Air compressor
- spark-plug-hole air adapter
- valve spring compressor
- feeler gauges
- torque wrench.
Where to buy the parts
Valve stem seals, 1985 Bronco II 2.8RockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Valve cover gaskets, 1985 Bronco II 2.8RockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Ford Bronco II parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.