Downside of the 2.3l duratec?

[turin39789]

I'm about to pick up a used 06 4 cylinder xlt regular cab with 40k miles. Excited about getting the truck but I'm trying to make sure I do all of my research. So far I've only heard good things about the engine.

What are the downsides? Every engine has a weak point or 8.

 

[Sevensecondsuv]

I haven't heard much negative about them. All I hear is that they've got a lot more punch than the old iron 2.3 Limas. The old 2.3 (83-97) and 2.5 (98-01, same engine as the 2.3, just stroked) are well known for going 300,000 plus miles. I hope the duratechs are just as good. From what I've heard so far, they seem to be living up to the standard set by the old iron 2.3s.

The only negative I've heard is that they have some goofy ECM programming that holds the RPMs up when you shift. Some people seem to find it annoying.

 

[turin39789]

I haven't heard much negative about them. All I hear is that they've got a lot more punch than the old iron 2.3 Limas. The old 2.3 (83-97) and 2.5 (98-01, same engine as the 2.3, just stroked) are well known for going 300,000 plus miles. I hope the duratechs are just as good. From what I've heard so far, they seem to be living up to the standard set by the old iron 2.3s.

The only negative I've heard is that they have some goofy ECM programming that holds the RPMs up when you shift. Some people seem to find it annoying.

That's about the same that I've read too. Just thought id see if there is any particular thing to be worried about/ checking regularly. Looks like I'll just do the routine maint and keep an eye on it.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

ive seen quite a few 2.3 duratecs over 200K (the focui rack up more mileage than rangers, it seems). they are good motors that dont have any specific problems. they get good mileage and have very respectable power for the displacement. just dont be afraid to wind it up for passing.

 

[turin39789]

ive seen quite a few 2.3 duratecs over 200K (the focui rack up more mileage than rangers, it seems). they are good motors that dont have any specific problems. they get good mileage and have very respectable power for the displacement. just dont be afraid to wind it up for passing.

Still finding that out, even when driving a little spirited I usually shift before 3k. Was nice to see her move some when I asked for more acceleration than my mpg conserving turtle pace. Gotta get used to that winding up noise though.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

3,000 RPM should be considered cruel and unusual.

peak power doesnt occure until 5,250RPM. even peak torque isnt until 3,750.

these engines really need to sing if they are to have any motivation.

 

[milje]

Meh, my truck doesn't mind staying in the low RPM. I rarely go above 3500 RPM if I'm not hotrodding it, heck probably barely even get above 3000 RPM. Granted I used to get into it a lot more, but now I'm a lot nicer to it.


I like this little motor, just wish you could get it in a 4x4 truck.

 

[TayCo 7s]

if this helps i have a ´02 ranger 2.3 duratec with 33´s and let me tell you the truck keeps on suprising me i love it it has cold air intake and a flowmaster itll cherp the tires in third once in a while

 

[TayCo 7s]

Meh, my truck doesn't mind staying in the low RPM. I rarely go above 3500 RPM if I'm not hotrodding it, heck probably barely even get above 3000 RPM. Granted I used to get into it a lot more, but now I'm a lot nicer to it.


I like this little motor, just wish you could get it in a 4x4 truck.

yes sir ! my truck runs good in the lows nothing bad to say about it exept the thermostat screwed up but i pulled it and runs great

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

i pulled it and runs great

thats good for your fuel economy

 

[One Sick Puppy]

3,000 RPM should be considered cruel and unusual.

peak power doesnt occure until 5,250RPM. even peak torque isnt until 3,750.

these engines really need to sing if they are to have any motivation.

Wow. I thought I drove like a granny, now I KNOW I drive like a granny. I rarely hit 3000rpm just to shift. When I'm driving I'm always between 1900-2500. I find the noise as higher RPMs rather annoying... maybe I don't know enough about engines, but doesn't driving at higher RPM mean more gas and harder on the engine?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the engine is designed to turn those kind of RPMs...you wont hurt it by doing so.

 

[MikeInIdaho]

the engine is designed to turn those kind of RPMs...you wont hurt it by doing so.

Exactly. I shift at 4,500-5,000 rpms on a regular basis; it's the only way to stay in the power band if you really need to get moving. Doesn't hurt a thing...she likes it!

 

[GreatWhite]

The only negative I've heard is that they have some goofy ECM programming that holds the RPMs up when you shift. Some people seem to find it annoying.

Pisses me off sometimes, specially on the freeway

if this helps i have a ´02 ranger 2.3 duratec with 33´s and let me tell you the truck keeps on suprising me i love it it has cold air intake and a flowmaster itll cherp the tires in third once in a while

Is it a full exhaust system or just a muffler, must be pretty amazing to be chirping tires with muffler and CAI. 33" tires and its chirping too teach me the ways

 

[jax4bangin]

yea man this engine at 2500 rpm sounds like 3500-4k with anyother engine. my bud's lima at 3500 sounds like mine at 2.5k rpm.

for awhile wen i first got it i wud short shit cause of this but now i know better