Courier 2.3l

Ford_Six · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 10:43 PM

I just picked up an 81 Courier with the 2.3l engine, it runs good, but I was wondering, is there anything to watch for on this engine?
Also, is this a Ford 2.3l or another manufacturer?

TigerDan · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 11:46 AM

It's the good 'ol reliable Ford 2.3. Couriers could be had with the Ford 2.3 or the Mazda 2-liter. A Courier is basically just a Mazda with different trim.

Basically, just watch for the timing belt. It's a non-interfence engine so if (or when) the belt breaks it won't waste the engine.

Not a lot to watch for, a pretty basic and reliable powerplant. Fun little trucks...!

Ford_Six · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 01:55 PM

Will an FL-1A fit on this engine? I am having some trouble finding an FL300.

TigerDan · #4 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 02:52 PM

Yes, it takes a standard Ford filter, FL1A, PH8A, Napa 1515, etc...

Ford_Six · #5 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 06:52 PM

Sweet- I don't have to add anything to my stock shelves now.
Now if only an AMC 360 took that filter, I'd only have to stock one part number.

Ford_Six · #6 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 11:30 PM

Is there a baffle or something above the cam on this engine? I have a horrible scraping noise coming from upper part of the engine, sounds like in the valve cover around the #2 cylinder. Just started today on the way home from work, thought it was a heat shield rattle at first.
I'm going to tear into it after work tomorrow-

TigerDan · #7 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 12:16 AM

I believe there is, though I haven't heard of one coming loose before. Is it running okay, still hitting on all four? 2.3s do have a tendency to pop the lifters out from time to time...

Ford_Six · #8 (**permalink**) 03-04-2008, 07:37 PM

The oil passage in the cam is plugged, rear two lobes are hosed as well as their associated followers. The noise was deceptive, though it was more towards the front of the engine. I'm just glad it wasn't a spun bearing.

Ford_Six · #9 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 04:13 PM

Here's what a hosed cam looks like:

http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m...t=IM000529.jpg

TigerDan · #10 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 08:00 PM

Looks a little dry back there...but over all it doesn't look as bad as I pictured. I've seen some that made that one look like it's a new cam!

Ford_Six · #11 (**permalink**) 03-08-2008, 06:57 PM

I think this is a known issue with this engine- The original cam only got fed oil through the second journal, the rest are all just blank bearings. The new cam gets fed oil through the second and third journals, and definitely puts more oil out into the rocker cover.
It's all back together and running now, but I should have replaced the HLAs when I had it open, since it ticks a bit now. Maybe that will free up now that I have good oil in it, though.

Ford_Six · #12 (**permalink**) 03-13-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TigerDan

2.3s do have a tendency to pop the lifters out from time to time...

I'm glad you told me that, it saved me unloading another truck so I could tow mine home- Ten minutes under the hood, and I was back in good enough shape to baby it home, even with about 1/2 ton of scrap in the bed.
The cause of the failure of course was the junk Napa parts I put in it, since Parts Plus left.
I hate Napa parts. They are garbage. One rocker was soft, and got all chewed up, damaged the cam, then launched out of it's place. I thought the gradually worsening ticking noise was an HLA that wouldn't pump up, but evidently not.

TigerDan · #13 (**permalink**) 03-14-2008, 12:21 AM

Funny, I find the just the reverse to be true with Napa parts. My only other choice here is Kragen and they're more expensive and have crappier parts. Had zero problems with the Napa here, while you couldn't pay me enough to buy from Kragens...

Ford_Six · #14 (**permalink**) 03-14-2008, 01:25 PM

I have had very bad luck with Napa internal engine parts in the past here. Used to be I could pick from Parts Plus (my #1 choice), Crapa, Schucks, or Auto Bone. I wish there was a Carquest store around here, I would go there exclusively.
The local Parts Plus chain sold out to Napa, so i figured I'd give them a chance again. That choice has left me sitting on the side of the road yet again.

Ford_Six · #15 (**permalink**) 03-16-2008, 02:29 PM

Well, two hours of work and it has a new cam. Not a noise out of it, hopefully this lasts longer than a week.
The nice thing about dealing with this particular store is that they know me there, and don't give me any crap about returns.