2.3 liter head gasket replacement

[awsskater4life76]

I have a 1993 Ford Ranger xlt cab 2.3 liter 5 speed 160,000 miles. Recently my check engines lights been on for a week. i thought the cold air intake might be throwing the code cuz its been really cold. So upon futher inspection i checked my old and noticed it was runny looking with some coolant in it. I'm pretty sure it a head gasket that does this. Ive never done one before but the 2.3 looks the easyiest is there any good advice for me being a 1st time doing this? Also when i take off fast in 1st gear the shifter wanders is that in the trans or some bushing that need to be replaced? thanks guys

 

[Mark_88]

Hmmm...doing a head gasket for the first time...take your time...and that head is pretty heavy...so it helps to have a friend to get it in and out...but you might also have the head checked for cracks as this can also cause anti-freeze in the oil...but it could also be that your block is cracked...and that is another story altogether...

You will need a good torque wrench that does ft/lbs (not inch/pounds) and you should follow instructions for torquing the bolts in sequence once the head and gasket are in place...and do it in two rounds...65 on the first and 85 (or whatever on your year) on the second round...

Other than that...it's about a 4 hour job the first time if you're not too sure...make sure to take pics if you can...and keep various bolts that come out of things (like the valve cover) separate from other things like sensors if possible...

It's not complicated, but if you don't have a good memory or if the job gets interrupted and you forget...the pics will help you remember...if possible...I didn't do this myself and always manage to end up with one or two too many bolts...lol

 

[super91(2.3)]

I swapped head gaskets before I broke down and rebuild the motor. It took about 8 hours with my bro. If you replace the head gasket, borrow or buy a fuel line disconnect tool, and it will take alot of clutter out cause u can take the intake completely out. Hope this helps.

 

[Robert97Ranger]

i just replaced mine yesterday, i have a 97 w/ the 2.3.
it was simple but took alot of time however. be sure to mark the timing belt on the pully, also when you remove your valve cover you'll see on the 1st roller there will be an arrow, be sure it is pointing up and do not yurn the pulley after marking the belt and pulley. hope this helps.