2.3L vs 2.5L

[robmedina]

How can you tell the difference between the two motors visually?

 

[adsm08]

It's tricky since the two share a block. I think the 2.5 has a bit more overall height but then you have to have them sitting next to each other.

 

[robmedina]

The reason I ask is because apparently my "2.3L" takes a 2.5L oil filter.....

 

[adsm08]

The Lima block has always used what is roughly the same oil filter, regardless of engine displacement. In the 80s they used an FL-1A instead of the 400S, but the threads and gasket on those filters are the same.

 

[robmedina]

hmmm, so is it possible someone put the wrong filter on at some point and everyone else has just followed suit? The filter for a 2.3 is about 3" in diameter and the filter for the 2.5 is about 2'1/4. The flat area around the screw to attach the filter does match the diameter of the 2.5 filter.

 

[Captain Ledd]

If they both fit, they both fit. Generally the larger filter is better, but really a fresh filter at all is good.

I've always been under the impression the 2.3L and 2.5L are externally identical. Though since the 2.5L's are the newest of the Lima blocks, there may be a rib or two different, if anything, for NVH, as that became an increasingly important issue.

Apart from the crank, rods, pistons, they're the same engine block (dimensionally). I do believe the heads are also juuuuuust slightly different somehow. Exhaust ports/combustion chambers come to mind.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Spring2003/4cyilinderoilfilter.htm
Take note of the 2nd paragraph.

And it'll fit, I've put an even larger one on my 2.3L 4 banger before. Bumped the oil capacity to just over 6 quarts.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

well i have a 2.5l sitting out on my trailer right now that i could take a look at and a 2.3l in my truck.

i did notice that the 2.5l has a "25" on the side of the block but i have not looked at my 2.3l so i can't tell you if thats an identifying mark

 

[robmedina]

If they both fit, they both fit. Generally the larger filter is better, but really a fresh filter at all is good.

I've always been under the impression the 2.3L and 2.5L are externally identical. Though since the 2.5L's are the newest of the Lima blocks, there may be a rib or two different, if anything, for NVH, as that became an increasingly important issue.

Apart from the crank, rods, pistons, they're the same engine block (dimensionally). I do believe the heads are also juuuuuust slightly different somehow. Exhaust ports/combustion chambers come to mind.

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Spring2003/4cyilinderoilfilter.htm
Take note of the 2nd paragraph.

And it'll fit, I've put an even larger one on my 2.3L 4 banger before. Bumped the oil capacity to just over 6 quarts.

In the first picture (the two filters side by side) The one on the left is what my truck "calls for" but the one on the right is what is actually on my truck. I really do not care if I have either motor, I just want to make sure if something needs to be replaced I get the right part for the right motor. So far I have replaced the starter, the alternator, the solenoid and have told them it is a 2.3....everything works.

 

[adsm08]

In the first picture (the two filters side by side) The one on the left is what my truck "calls for" but the one on the right is what is actually on my truck. I really do not care if I have either motor, I just want to make sure if something needs to be replaced I get the right part for the right motor. So far I have replaced the starter, the alternator, the solenoid and have told them it is a 2.3....everything works.

Both filters are appropriate to both engines.

The larger filter on the left is the FL-1A that I referred to. The smaller on is an FL-400S. It was used on the 2.0 and 2.3L engines in most FWD car applications from about the dawn of time until the Lima block was replaced with duratec engines in the early part of the last decade.

 

[rhekman]

well i have a 2.5l sitting out on my trailer right now that i could take a look at and a 2.3l in my truck.

i did notice that the 2.5l has a "25" on the side of the block but i have not looked at my 2.3l so i can't tell you if thats an identifying mark

Yes, "25L" is cast on the passenger side near the bell housing behind the exhaust manifold.

The attached pic is from a 2000 Ranger 2wd. Notice just behind the O2 sensor wiring.

 

[robmedina]

Yes, "25L" is cast on the passenger side near the bell housing behind the exhaust manifold.

The attached pic is from a 2000 Ranger 2wd. Notice just behind the O2 sensor wiring.

Awesome! I will take a look today! Thanks for taking the time to post.


Brutus- Thank you also for your time looking at the blocks and posting.

 

[robmedina]

Dang it- I could not see a 25L. I think the location in your picture is blocked by other parts on my truck.

 

[Bigwurmb]

i know this post is old but id rather not start another thread since my question is related.

from what ive read the 2.3 and 2.5 are basically the same.(externally)
so would it be safe to say I can use a 2.3 oil dipstick and tube for my 2.5?

just picked up the truck monday and went to check oil only to find half a dipstick....

 

[Mark_88]

Yes...the 2.3 dipstick will work with the 2.5...unless the oil pan depth of the 2.5 is deeper...that would/could give you a false low reading with the same volume of oil.

My truck currently has a 2.5 engine with the workings from a 96 2.3 bolted on (intake, exhaust et al) and there were no major changes required to do this (according to the previous owner)...other than some issues he had with the oil pan...and I can't quite remember what that was other than he gave me a gasket to replace some day...

 

[turbo91xlt]

Your '97 will have a 2.3 factory. Last year of the lima 2.3.. Blocks are nearly identical between an obd2 2.3 & 2.5 besides the previous mention "25" casted on the side of the 2.5 block. Also the oil pan is slightly different in a 2.5 (little more deeper which could possibly interferes with the '97 & older TIB suspension engine crossmember) & it might take a different pickup tube cause of that.