what year is my engine

[couchdog]

My 2.3L engine is in my 89 ranger. How can i determine what year my engine is. I know there are #'s somewhere but i can't find them.

 

[Dave R]

Most of the casting dates are in difficult to view locations.

You'll find a series of part numbers cast into various components if you look close enough. These won't tell you the exact year but they'll get you into the ball park. If you engine is an '89 most of the PN's will start with the numbers E9 or RFE9.

 

[couchdog]

the guy i bought it from said it was a 91 - 93. it has given me trouble ever since i bought it. i guess i will look closer. thanks

 

[Dave R]

There are no real differences between an '89 and '91-'93 motor, they are interchangeable, as are all of their parts.

 

[couchdog]

Maybe you can help me. I went to the dump about 3 months ago which is only about a mile away. I didn't think i was going to get back home. My truck just wouldn't go. I would rev up the engine and start to let out the clutch and it wanted to die. I finally got it going but it had no power at all. I drove it home at less than 10 mph. The problem went away until 3 days ago. It came back. I,m setting in my driveway with hood up trying to accelerate the engine with the throttle arm. The engine wants to cut out and backfire. It has slow response when i try to accelerate the engine. I know it can probably be a thousand things but can you give me some direction???

 

[Dave R]

Well, your right, it could be quite a number of things.

Let's start with the basics....

Was/is the check engine light on at all?

When was the last time that the plugs/wires/filters were changed?

When was the timing belt changed last?

Any guesstimate on how many miles on the engine?

Any odd noises while it's running?

Generally, what you describing could be a lack of fuel or ignition related problem.

When you open the throttle does the engine struggle or sort of gasp and try to die?