2.3L ('02-'11) 2.3 duratec replacement options

[RangerFabWorks]

So I have a 07 ranger. 2.3 duratec. It has 232k on the clock. It smokes. The timing chain is bad. And it has a bearing knock in the morning. I’m looking into replacing the engine. In my parts. The ranger engines are stupid high in cost. But the focus counterparts are fairly cheap. Work a 2.0/2.3 block work in the ranger. Then just swap the appropriate components over? Or am I stuck with just the ranger based 2.3?
Thanks.

 

[DaveH]

Hello there, I'm in a similar situation. 05 with broken block 2.3. There are many write ups on engine swaps mix and match. Personally I searched until I found a 2.3 in an 06 that is buildable. I like tinkering and will rebuild this over time which others may or may not have. Haven't worked on a Ford in 40 years. I like some of the stuff they did in the ranger (alternator mount, separate power steering reservoir, retaining cover bolts, first time ever seeing a keyless crank). They did some really stupid engineering in this thing, (that wiring and coolant hose thing is like spaghetti). Getting to that starter is a bitachee' and removing that top retaining nut exhaust manifold isn't fun either. Good luck in your build.

 

[RonD]

2.3l DOHC Duratec is a Mazda L engine, 2.3L (L3-VE, L3-NS, L3-DE), read here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_L_engine

It was designed for transverse mounting in FWD cars
This is why the cooling hoses are so convoluted, lol
Especially that one in the back, which would be easy to access if engine was mounted sideways

But yes you can use a 2.3l Duratec from a FWD vehicle, Block and head(long block), if you swap over your RWD parts

 

[DaveH]

2.3l DOHC Duratec is a Mazda L engine, 2.3L (L3-VE, L3-NS, L3-DE), read here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_L_engine

It was designed for transverse mounting in FWD cars
This is why the cooling hoses are so convoluted, lol
Especially that one in the back, which would be easy to access if engine was mounted sideways

But yes you can use a 2.3l Duratec from a FWD vehicle, Block and head(long block), if you swap over your RWD parts

I've been reading a LOT about these engines. Luckily the 06 block I found is a NS rear wheel drive vehicle. Virtually a twin to mine. I think/hope. lol

 

[pjtoledo]

the starter is best accessed from and comes out the bottom.
the top nut on the exhaust manifold/down pipe is accessed with a boxed end wrench thru the pass wheel well.
put the wrench on backwards, and double it if necessary.

 

[DaveH]

the starter is best accessed from and comes out the bottom.
the top nut on the exhaust manifold/down pipe is accessed with a boxed end wrench thru the pass wheel well.
put the wrench on backwards, and double it if necessary.

I eventually took the inner fender off the access that top bolt on the exhaust. Now I'm fighting getting access to the flywheel bolts. Called my local trans shop and they think there is a rubber insert in the case that comes out to get access to those nuts. Speaking of nuts some of the Ford engineering is "Nuts". On my old builds they had a metal cover at the bottom of the bellhousing with a couple of screws. Easy as pie.

 

[pjtoledo]

mine is a manual, can't help with the flywheel bolts.


hold on, I'll check the service manual,,,


the manual says access the flex plate nuts thru the starter hole. yes there is a big rubber plug under the starter.
those are 1 time use and discard nuts.
rotate the crank only in clockwise direction.

 

[DaveH]

mine is a manual, can't help with the flywheel bolts.


hold on, I'll check the service manual,,,

Figured it out, there is a rubber grommet that was covered with dirt and looked like the case. It came right out and I could access the bolts easily.