2.3L ('83-'97) Can you swap oil pans

[fatboy76]

I was wondering if anybody has bolted an oil pan from 1994 ford 2.3 to 1974 ford 2.3. The bolt pattern is the same just wondering if it would seal? I have fitted the oil pan on 1974 block and it looks like it's as close as the old pan. Reason for changing,engine came out of pinto with front sump going into ranger that needs a rear sump. I had this later model oil pan and just wondered if it would work to save some bucks from buying a new one.

 

[19Walt93]

I suspect the pan would fit, just be aware that early 2.3's had leak prone, 2 piece rear main seals.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Shouldnt be a problem. To my knowledge the lima block stayed the same its whole production run

 

[fatboy76]

THANKS,APPREICATE IT!

 

[fatboy76]

I suspect the pan would fit, just be aware that early 2.3's had leak prone, 2 piece rear main seals.

Yep, I had experience with those 2 piece seals. Thanks for info,I appreciate it!

 

[scotts90ranger]

The trough in the rear of the engine and the front seal housing are going to be your issues...

On the plus side that's fairly straight forward to fix, grab a newer front seal housing ('87 or newer, '89 and newer has a different bolt pattern but if you slot one of the holes it's close enough...). You will have to drill out 4 of the bolt holes since they're 8mm instead of 6mm bolts. For the rear seal area, get some water weld or JB weld putty and fill it up flush and that part will work, just silicone over it when you put the pan on...

So, yeah, I've done it twice I think... first attempt at filling in the trough was with JB weld in a snow storm in December, then I learned that JB weld doesn't cure well in freezing temperatures... second attempt was with a form made from a brake clean can with lead melted into it, then fitted that in, worked great. I think I'm running a '86 block now that doesn't have the trough, or I don't remember what I did last time...