2.3L ('83-'97) '96 2.3 Lima Tune-Up

[Ranger_XL]

When changing the spark plugs and plug wires, would it be more beneficial to change the ignition-control module as well?

 

[tinman_72]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[Ranger_XL]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

A full tune-up is being done: spark plugs (double platinum), plug wires, water pump, radiator-clutch fan, tensioner, tensioner pulley, idler pulley, timing belt, alternator (went bad), alternator pulley, starter (going bad), battery, fuel filter, oil filter, air filter, oil change, and coolant flush/change -- all of which are Motorcraft parts; the only question I had was the thermostat -- some say change it, and some say leave it. It is inexpensive and located right near the timing belt, which is being replaced anyway.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The question is, does it cool correctly now? If so, I wouldn't screw with it... my '97 only gets up to temperature if the outside temperature is above 50F (kinda annoying when you want the heater to work), I have my OBD II dongle thing in with Torque hooked up and when it's cold the needle is down by the C and Torque is saying I think 72C which I think is 165F. I even put in a new Motorcraft thermostat, no change. It looks like someone changed the thermostat housing which if it was too long could bypass too much coolant with the goofy design... Unless my fan clutch is stuck on, I can't imagine the heater core taking that much heat rejection...

 

[Ranger_XL]

The PCV valve is done, too; the only things not yet touched are the EGR valve, O2 sensors, and ignition coil.

 

[Dirtman]

The question is, does it cool correctly now? If so, I wouldn't screw with it... my '97 only gets up to temperature if the outside temperature is above 50F (kinda annoying when you want the heater to work), I have my OBD II dongle thing in with Torque hooked up and when it's cold the needle is down by the C and Torque is saying I think 72C which I think is 165F. I even put in a new Motorcraft thermostat, no change. It looks like someone changed the thermostat housing which if it was too long could bypass too much coolant with the goofy design... Unless my fan clutch is stuck on, I can't imagine the heater core taking that much heat rejection...

Limas just don't get very hot... Its one of the reasons they are so reliable, theres just a ton of iron for such a small displacement. I've seen them raced in demolition derbies with no cooling system at all and still run fine.

 

[scotts90ranger]

fair enough, maybe I'm just too used to the turbo and some self imposed issues with a tiny fan and a 2" thick radiator with no effective fan shroud . Having heat in the winter would be nice though... no mater what the heat in my '90 is amazing, if the heater core wasn't so buried in a '97 I'd just change it, it does put out heat once it warms up though but by then I don't need heat...

 

[Ranger_XL]

fair enough, maybe I'm just too used to the turbo and some self imposed issues with a tiny fan and a 2" thick radiator with no effective fan shroud . Having heat in the winter would be nice though... no mater what the heat in my '90 is amazing, if the heater core wasn't so buried in a '97 I'd just change it, it does put out heat once it warms up though but by then I don't need heat...

Scott, Dirtman: what would you say to the EGR valve, O2 sensor, and ignition coil insofar as a part of tune-up?

 

[Dirtman]

Egr valve can just be cleaned. No reason to replace it if its functional as it's not a "wear item" like spark plugs. O2 sensors would depend on mileage. They do wear out but last quite a long time (100,000+ miles). Coil/pack is also is not a wear item, if its not broken there's no use replacing it.

 

[Ranger_XL]

Egr valve can just be cleaned. No reason to replace it if its functional as it's not a "wear item" like spark plugs. O2 sensors would depend on mileage. They do wear out but last quite a long time (100,000+ miles). Coil/pack is also is not a wear item, if its not broken there's no use replacing it.

Thank you, I had done what I stated above, and after reading the various articles, I only added a PCV valve; everything else was comprehensive.