Duratec 2.3 reliability

[thebabyderp]

I am looking at a clean 07 ranger with the 2.3 and manual transmission with about 190K miles.
Are these reliable? I don't know much about this generation of ranger.

I am also looking at a 90 Bronco with the 2.9 v6 with 100k miles. I've heard some bad things about those though.

Any advice? Anything to look out for when looking at the 2.3 duratec rangers?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

The 2.9 is damn reliable as long as you dont overheat it.

Cant speak much on the duratech but from what ive seen around here they seem to hold up pretty well.

 

[racsan]

p.j. toledo got something like 300K (more or less, can’t recall exact milage) out of one. Ive only ever drove one, felt my 2.3 lima (pinto) had more low end power. the only thing bad Ive heard is that a coolant line at the rear of the motor sometimes has leakage issues.

 

[pjtoledo]

my 2005 has about 367,500 miles on it. was my work truck and always had 400 lbs in the back, drove it daily thru the worst weather the rust belt could throw at it.
the engine now has issues with cylinder #1, the other 3 still have excellent compression.
rear axle & transmission are still factory original.

the 2001/2 and 3? had flappers in the intake which are problematic but can be removed.
same years also had a heater incorporated into the thermostat housing, that can be removed/bypassed.

the basic engine is great in my opinion.
Duratecs are aluminum block & head.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

So i didnt realize till right now the wifes 2010 escape is a 2.5 duratech. I didnt know the 2.5 was part of that family. So yes, its been a damn good engine. Its got 172k on it and we bought it with 48k. Ive changed a starter, motorized throttle body, and plugs that entire time. It averages 25-28mpg with her driving it.

Its a bit nutless IMO but its a econo minded 4 popper.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I know why @snoranger laughed at my 2.9 remark....since he believes in the ol sideways taurus engine but why did @thebabyderp give me a shocked? Lol.

If i was going into a SHTF scenario and i HAD to use an RBV...itd be a 1st gen 2.9. Sure they are quirky, ticking, at times annoying little bastards but they have proven themselves to me

 

[snoranger]

I know why @snoranger laughed at my 2.9 remark....since he believes in the ol sideways taurus engine but why did @thebabyderp give me a shocked? Lol.

WHAT!?!?

The 3.0L?!?!!

I’ll take the 2.9L’s big brother in OHV form, thank you very much.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

WHAT!?!?

The 3.0L?!?!!

View attachment 68214

I’ll take the 2.9L’s big brother in OHV form, thank you very much.

I must be confused then. I thought you were a 3.0 guy. I guess youre a bit better if your team 4.0

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I’ve never owned one of the newer 2.3s, have a Ranger with an old one but never drove it and I have an old one in my boat, lol.

2.9 can be a solid motor. Just don’t overheat it. A 90 would have the improved factory heads. I’d throw a 180* thermostat in, new water pump, and convert to the 4.0l radiator and call it a day. That’s been my solution to all of my 2.9s. I like the 4.0l OHV better, but it wasn’t a stock B2 engine. It is, however, a viable swap that isn’t very complicated on a 90, should it ever be needed.

 

[pjtoledo]

So i didnt realize till right now the wifes 2010 escape is a 2.5 duratech. I didnt know the 2.5 was part of that family. So yes, its been a damn good engine. Its got 172k on it and we bought it with 48k. Ive changed a starter, motorized throttle body, and plugs that entire time. It averages 25-28mpg with her driving it.

Its a bit nutless IMO but its a econo minded 4 popper.

that may be due in part to a massive balance mechanism in the crankcase. or at least the '10 Fusion 2.5 engine has one.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

that may be due in part to a massive balance mechanism in the crankcase. or at least the '10 Fusion 2.5 engine has one.View attachment 68222

Holy shit.

 

[stmitch]

The Duratec is probably the most modern engine Ford put in the older Rangers. They make more power and torque than the older Lima 4 cylinders while also getting better fuel economy and having lower emissions. They're super reliable as long as you watch the oil level (they don't have a ton of oil capacity). The coolant line that runs from the back of the head, and up the exhaust side of the engine is a royal pain to replace though if it springs a leak.