2.3L ('83-'97) Need to replace my 1992 Ranger engine: 2.3 L, 4 cylinder, 5-speed, floor shifter

[1992redranger]

Hello!

It's my first time to the forum

I need to replace the engine on my newly-acquired 1992 Ford Ranger: 2.3 L, 4 cylinder, 5-speed, floor shifter.

When looking for replacement (used) engines, do I have to match all these specs (1992, 2.3 L, 4 cylinder, 5-speed, floor shifter) or can some of them be different? For example, does it have to be a '92 I replace the old engine with? Does it have to be manual? Etc.

When I install the replacement engine, is there anything specific/tricky I should look out for?

Thanks so much!

 

[tomw]

If you can reuse all the components besides the block & head, then two things to watch for using (I think)an 1989-1994 2.3:
1) A manual has a bushing/bearing in the center of the crankshaft that supports the transmission input shaft, while an automatic does not need that bushing as it uses a 'flex plate' instead of a flywheel/clutch.
2) The shape of the intake ports should match the ones on your current engine to be able to use your intake manifold.
Most everything else bolted to the engine should work without change. Be sure that you have similar ignition system as it changed over time from a distributor to computer controlled.
tom

 

[scotts90ranger]

As long as you keep in the '89-94 year range you should be able to make it work with minimal issue. The front end and brackets and coil location changed a bit over the years but the basic engine stayed the same.

 

[1992redranger]

OK awesome! Thanks for these tips they're great!!

 

[DCman]

I'd be interested to see if a '98-'01 2.5 long block would fit, with all the accessories that '92 already has.

 

[scotts90ranger]

If you drilled/tapped the appropriate holes for the '89-94 crank sensor and front cover (if the newer one doesn't clear) then yes you could likely use the newer setup, you'd just have to mount the DIS module on a grounded heat sink and mix/match parts appropriately...

 

[RonD]

I'd be interested to see if a '98-'01 2.5 long block would fit, with all the accessories that '92 already has.

No, the 1995-2001 2.3l or 2.5l Lima engines used a different crank sensor, so the front of the engine was different
Crank sensor changed to VR type from Hall effect type
Very very hard to swap a 1983 to 1994 4cyl block into a 1995-2001 or vise versa

 

[tinman_72]

Very very hard to swap a 1983 to 1994 4cyl block into a 1995-2001 or vise versa

I agree with RonD. I have done the '98 2.5 into a '93. Given the opportunity to do it again, I would find a different engine.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Thinking about it more, at that point it would be easier to put the rotating assembly in the older block assuming it's a post '86 small journal engine...

 

[RonD]

Just find a 1989-1994 2.3l SOHC Lima engine to replace the 1992 2.3l Lima engine

Or rebuild the one you have

No, transmission type, manual or automatic, didn't matter to the 2.3l Lima engine

 

[1992redranger]

Thanks, y'all, this is great! My mechanic and I were lucky enough to find a used 1993 2.3 L Ranger engine at a used parts place so we're doing the swap with that one. However, I do have one followup question for y'all:

When examining the '93 engine, my mechanic found a small head gasket leak. He got the used parts place to comp a new head gasket and the work required to pressure-test the engine head, but he didn't pressure-test the engine block itself.

Do y'all think the engine block needs to be pressure-tested or do you think it's OK without? My mechanic says the '93 engine looks good otherwise (has only 130K miles on it, was fogged for storage, etc.)

Thanks!

 

[scotts90ranger]

As long as the head itself is good as they sometimes crack between valves I wouldn't worry too much if there aren't hot spots on the cylinder walls (where the rings aren't touching the cylinder walls).

These are pretty tough little engines, sounds like a reasonable candidate.

 

[RonD]

Cracked block is pretty much unheard of on the 2.3l Lima engines, I suppose it could happen but never even read about it happening
They turbo'ed these and even over boosted and blown up the blocks survived

 

[1992redranger]

Excellent! Excited about the new life this little ranger is going to get!

Thank you!

 

[Cy Sanders]

No, the 1995-2001 2.3l or 2.5l Lima engines used a different crank sensor, so the front of the engine was different
Crank sensor changed to VR type from Hall effect type
Very very hard to swap a 1983 to 1994 4cyl block into a 1995-2001 or vise versa

Why is it so hard to swap the crank sensor? Is there a spot or boss there? Im trying to put a 99 2.5 in my 94. Also are the pickups the same on the harmonic balancer? Can you swap them? I have the 2.5 0n my motor stand and have not pulled the 2.3 yet. Thanks for the help.