2.3 replacement head? any thoughts?

[Tik]

*mustang 2.3 & ranger 2.3 head differences?*

I've been on a quest to replace the cracked head on my new yard decoration, my '91 Ranger 2.3l, 'bout a month ago had some serious overheating issues that turned out to be a cracked head, not sure if any of the other engine components were harmed, there was coolant coming out my exaust! anyways I recently found a replacement head on ebaymotors for $325, only thing is it's for a mustang and a was wondering what the differences were between a mustang 2.3 head and my ranger's? will this just be a standard bolt on swap? hopefully all you wiseguys can help out the FNG hahaha


PS- Is coolant in the exaust really severe? I figure the crack is probably around the water jackets somewhere, is this motor toast?

 

[Mark_88]

Did you pull the head off to inspect it or have it tested? It certainly could be the head, but it could also be a crack in the block itself. Or just a bad head gasket that is blown out and allowing coolant to seep into the piston...

The mustang heads will work from certain years...I have one on my 88 2.3 that came from an 89 Stang...four plug or eight?

PS coolant in the exhaust is just a by product and depends on what or where the leak is coming from...it won't necessarily harm the exhaust system unless you can't heat it up enough to burn it off...if it sits in the exhaust system for prolonged periods of time it will eventually rust out the whole thing...so I would think that if you aren't able to run the engine to operating temperatures for a prolonged period of time and stop the leak at the same time you're looking at premature ejaculation of the exhaust...

 

[schmoo]

325 is a lot for a head this common.
i bought a whole pickup with that head for 200.

 

[reggioisme]

i have a 92 mustang head on my 96 ranger block the only changes for me were intake but you have the same intake the head will be a direct swap i do believe...id look around you should be able to find one for around 100 bucks

 

[Mark_88]

I bought the 89 mustang head for about $100 from a junkyard, but had to spend another $500 to have someone do the valves...

If you find a replacement, take it in to have it checked for cracks before installing it...these heads are known for cracking...but are generally very long lasting...

 

[BogusSVO]

the 8 plug head is bad about cracking, if you go to a JY for one, rool it over and closly look for cracks from the exh valve towards the hg surface

 

[feellnfroggy]

Dont buy a head from ebay, esecially private sale. Craigslist is a better deal, cuz you know where the seller is when you go pick it up in case of problems. Any machine shop can magnaflux your head for you. ITs just iron powder and magnets, You can prolly make some of this to do your own, but they have to be pretty strong magnets. Earth magnets would be best. THe powder will go directly to the cracks.