2.3L ('02-'11) 2001-2003 2.3L Intake Manifolds, Swap for 2004+?

[King Of Mercia]

There's a thread on here about swapping to a newer intake to get rid of swirl plates but the OP never followed up. Does it work?

My intake is getting the IMRC flapper rattle, and it's gonna need some work soon. I haven't seen a lot of success from people about dealing with it.

The intakes are all discontinued, so I'm trying to figure out where to go from here.

I've seen people cut out the flaps with mixed results. I'm reluctant to do that if I can't get a replacement intake.

Wondering if I can replace the intake with a later model one without the flaps. Apparently those intakes still have mounting points for the IMRC actuator and all, so I can attach those parts and just leave them there. Wonder if that will keep it from throwing codes.

Anyway. Anyone got experience with this? Or a Dorman intake 615-462 sitting around they'd sell me? Lol

 

[DallasProuty]

Were you ever able to figure it out I’m wondering the same thing, just broke a bunch of the little pieces that hold the gaskets in.

 

[King Of Mercia]

Nope, no one ever replied. Like always when I post here.
Forum's mostly dead I guess.

I asked my shop dude and he said he didn't suggest it. Good luck with your intake. Dorman sucks for discontinuing their aftermarket one, 615-462. Leaving us all high and dry.

 

[pjtoledo]

the intakes will swap between 2002 and 2005
I put a 2005 intake on a 2002 motor.
that 2002 motor is now in a 2005 Ranger so I did not have to worry about the computer missing the flap actuator.


the 2.3 Duratec motors are very reliable so posts about them are few in number.
my 2005 had 370,000 miles when I pulled it for oil consumption issues.

 

[pjtoledo]

have you tried the Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forum?
they have a section dedicated to vintage rangers.

not trying to scare you away, just providing more resources.

1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

[King Of Mercia]

that 2002 motor is now in a 2005 Ranger so I did not have to worry about the computer missing the flap actuator.

That's the big question for us 2001-2003 owners though, will the lack of IMRC cause it to throw a code constantly? Or will simply bolting the actuator on and having it not-actuate-anything, suffice?

the 2.3 Duratec motors are very reliable so posts about them are few in number.
my 2005 had 370,000 miles when I pulled it for oil consumption issues.

Right until they aren't! Mine is being fussy right now with lean codes, and now a misfire on Cyl 4, and I can't figure out why. Replaced intake gaskets, valve cover gaskets, O2 sensor, MAF, and checked for vac leaks. Hoping the shop can help me get it sorted out this time around.

 

[pjtoledo]

check plugs for oil on #4, do a compression & leakdown test.

my problems started when #1 rings lost tension, the rest of the engine was perfect on teardown.

I don't know if the computer checks to verify if the flapper actuated. how many wires going to it????

 

[King Of Mercia]

It's due for a trip to the shop but I will check compression in the next few weeks. Have wanted to for ages. Good idea!

In the meantime I made a post at the other place with some more detail, freeze frames and the new misfire code that popped up. And a video of the weird idle and high pitched sound.

Thanks so much again!

P0171 Lean Code Keeps Reoccurring - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series - P0171 Lean Code Keeps Reoccurring - Between a favorite shop and I, working on clearing a P0171 code on my 2003 2.3L Ranger, was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. So far... When the code first appeared: - Checked fuel pressure. Stable 59PSI at idle and while...

www.ford-trucks.com

 

[King Of Mercia]

My problem is a vacuum leak at the actuator side of the intake manifold. It's all worn out right there. Need a new intake.
Can try to just remove IMRC and seal it but it's a permanent change. Concerned it'll run like shit, or throw a code. Then I can't pass inspection.

 

[King Of Mercia]

Anyone know how major the changes here are? I think it's just the PCV stuff attaching a little differently.