Would it fit?

[Mach1run]

So I have a 1997 Ranger 4 cyl that broke a timing belt and we have never been able to get to fire since replacing it.

I also have a 1993 302 f150 that has front end damage, enough its not worth the cost of repair. The trans was recently rebuilt before it got wrecked and I have the engine running again.

Rather than buy a new 4 cyl for the ranger is putting the motor and trans from the 150 in it viable or is it too tall?

Never done a swap before so kicking around ideas and trying to find a starting point for research.

 

[Dirtman]

302 swaps are common and they do fit fairly well in a ranger. It's not a exact drop in swap as you can imagine. Check the tech section, there are quite a few articles about it.

 

[scotts90ranger]

It is doable but would be some work...

But the 2.3L shouldn't be that bad to get going if the timing belt just broke... if the belt took the crank sensor out that would be the problem with getting it going... unless you didn't get the cam and crank aligned correctly...

 

[Fast Eddie]

It is doable but would be some work...

But the 2.3L shouldn't be that bad to get going if the timing belt just broke... if the belt took the crank sensor out that would be the problem with getting it going... unless you didn't get the cam and crank aligned correctly...

If he did't align the crank and cam, shouldn't he yank head and check for bent valves? They won;t seal if they're bent.

 

[Dirtman]

If he did't align the crank and cam, shouldn't he yank head and check for bent valves? They won;t seal if they're bent.

2.3 is non interference engine. Timing belt can break or be timed completely wrong and it won't hurt a thing besides not being able to run.

 

[Fast Eddie]

2.3 is non interference engine. Timing belt can break or be timed completely wrong and it won't hurt a thing besides not being able to run.

You jogged my memory. Recalled having an '87 Escort do that. I asked about valves, new seats. They said no, just timing belt. I left scratching my head.

 

[Dirtman]

"usually" if it's an interference engine they will use a chain not a belt.

 

[RonD]

+1 ^^^^

2.3l SOHC Lima engine is non-interference so at no time during the cycles do the valves and pistons share any space in any cylinder

1997 has external Crank sensor that uses a tone ring behind the balancer/pulley
(1994 and earlier have the internal crank sensor just above cranks belt gear)

Picture of pulley/tone ring here: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/21MAAOSwOyJX2DNm/s-l400.jpg
Tone wheel looks like a "gear" and has 1 missing tooth
The crank's key way is 3 teeth away from that missing tooth, that's important to timing
The tone ring is "press fit" onto the pulley, no keyway, so it can slip, not at all common but can slip
And, of course, a no start because spark timing is off

Broken timing belt can in no way hurt this 2.3l engine mechanically
So recheck belt timing
Triangle and Diamond, Cam and AUX gear have BOTH Marks, very easy to confuse a worn down Diamond with a Triangle, lol

And make sure crank sensor is in place and PLUGGED IN, easy to forget that, and no spark no fuel without it

 

[scotts90ranger]

The annoying thing on the '89-94 crank sensor is the connector is on the other side of the timing belt cover and you can't get the connector through the channel in the cover so it's unlikely it got disconnected, and on a '93 it doesn't matter where the AUX pulley is as it does absolutely nothing but drive the oil pump but you are absolutely right on being able to get the timing marks mixed up... The problem with the '89-94 crank sensor and a broken belt is sometimes the belt bunches up and can screw up the crank sensor at times.

I know the 2.3L isn't a powerhouse but they are tough and decent little engines, getting it running should be "easier" than swapping in a 5.0L, just won't be as fun to drive...