How do I replace the water outlet?

[UncleBud473]

I am new and trying to replace the water outlet from the top rear of the block on a 2003 ford ranger 2.3l 4L engine. Any help would be appreciated. The cooling tube broke off in it and in trying to remove it I busted it! Not really a mechanic, but I really do not want to pay a lot to get it fixed. I am a vet who is disabled and spend a lot of time and money fighting the VA. Please help.
Thanks!

 

[adsm08]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but step two for replacing the rear water outlet is to remove the transmission.

Unfortunately for you, and others in the similarly unfortunate position of owning a late-model 4-cylinder Ranger many things that should be fairly minor repairs have that as step two or three. That engine was originally designed to be transverse mounted, and a lot of the parts placements reflect that. When it's sideways across the vehicle that stuff is easy to work on. When it's put in longitudinally with the firewall right there, taking the trans out is the only way to get enough room to work.

 

[UncleBud473]

Water outlet 2003 2.3l 4l engine?

Is there anyway to replace the water outlet by going through the drivers side finder well? or would that be harder then dropping the transmission?

 

[adsm08]

Well you said you are disabled, so I am assuming an auto trans.

There are often ways to get around taking apart things that Ford says have to be taken apart for access, if you are determined and dexterous enough. It also helps to have a few thousand dollars invested in tools.

I am not that familiar with the Ranger 2.3, as I don't see many newer Rangers, and almost none are 4-cyl. If you can lay up on top it may be possible to sneak it off the back with some ratcheting wrenches.

 

[UncleBud473]

is there any way to go through the driver's side finder well?

 

[UncleBud473]

Thanks for the help and advise. It is an automatic transmission. Not being a mechanic, do you think I can drop it and put it back up. This my final question.........I hope!

 

[adsm08]

I am not sure about the wheel well. Like I said, I don't see a lot of 4 banger Rangers. You may be able to drop the trans yourself, it depends on the extent of your abilities and disabilities. If you plan to try and don't own a motorcycle jack run to harbor freight and drop the money on the little rolling trans jack. Its worth it.