2.3L ('02-'11) 2001 Ranger 2.3L dead

[Oldmanjer]

Hello, I've searched and can't seem to find an answer to this question anywhere.

I have a '01 Ranger that the engine is trashed. It's what happens when you run it without oil (teenager). I am looking to swap the engine for another 2.3L but I am having trouble finding one. Everything I find online in the forums say that the '01-'03 2.3L engine is the same. However when i look on car-part.com, it shows the '03 as not compatible with the '01. ('01-'02 is ok, the '03 is only for '03 model trucks)

Can anyone explain what is going on? And, can the '03 directly replace the '01 2.3l Duratec?

Thanks for the help.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to the forum

Yes, you can use 2001 thru 2003 2.3l Duratec as direct swap, not 2004-2011 without swapping intakes

You can use 2001-2011 Long block, just block and head, and put your 2001 intake on the later model engine

The 2001-2003 2.3l has a heated thermostat and IMRC, which were both dropped in 2004
There is a work around for heated thermostat(a resistor) or you can just use your current thermostat
But there is no work around for the IMRC which is inside the intake manifold

 

[Oldmanjer]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm not quite experienced enough to do any more than swap the engines.

Is there anything you recommend changing while the engine is being swapped? I read something about a fitting that is known to leak over time that can only be changed by pulling the engine.

Thanks again.

 

[RonD]

Yes, the coolant fitting on the back of the head
Also rear main seal on crank shaft