91 2.3 engine swap
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Gambrills
91 2.3 engine swap
Howdy all!
My buddy and I are going to swap a 2.3 in a 91 Ranger next (not this) weekend. We are going to change the donut gasket, water pump, rear main and clutch while everthing is out. Is there anything else we need to adress? How hard is it to change the clutch (I have never done one)? Is there anything we should know? Any tips, tricks or short cuts? Any special tools? Any write ups???
Thanks for your help!
IAN
My buddy and I are going to swap a 2.3 in a 91 Ranger next (not this) weekend. We are going to change the donut gasket, water pump, rear main and clutch while everthing is out. Is there anything else we need to adress? How hard is it to change the clutch (I have never done one)? Is there anything we should know? Any tips, tricks or short cuts? Any special tools? Any write ups???
Thanks for your help!
IAN
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Dexter, MI
Are you taking one 2.3 engine out and putting another 2.3 in its place? Your explanation confuses me. Which engine is having the repairs? If it is the replacement, how do you know that the repairs are needed?
Just wondering.
Just wondering.
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From: Gambrills
Thanks for entertaining my questions michigan66! I did not realize there was confusion. We are taking out a 2.3 (with a bad head/gasket and a funky lower end knock) and replacing it with another 2.3 (junk yard motor with fingers crossed). I figure we would replace the rear main seal, water pump (in the junk yard engine going back in) and throw in a new clutch while we are right there. Any tips tricks or do's and don'ts?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Dexter, MI
Is the replacement engine from a '91 Ranger, or from a different year? If it is from a different yer, check to be sure all the sensors and other external parts are the same.
What do you know about the history - maintenence and replacement of parts, sensors, etc. - of the replacement engine. While everything is apart, I would replace the thermostat, at least. I would also suggest you clean the throttle body and intake manifold tubes while the engine is stillout of the truck. I'd also replace plugs and wires with Motorcraft or AutoLite double platinum plugs and plug wires. Tag all wires and vacuum lines so everything goes back together correctly. Oh, also replace the PCV valve.
Good luck.
What do you know about the history - maintenence and replacement of parts, sensors, etc. - of the replacement engine. While everything is apart, I would replace the thermostat, at least. I would also suggest you clean the throttle body and intake manifold tubes while the engine is stillout of the truck. I'd also replace plugs and wires with Motorcraft or AutoLite double platinum plugs and plug wires. Tag all wires and vacuum lines so everything goes back together correctly. Oh, also replace the PCV valve.
Good luck.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Gambrills
I am not sure what year or what the motor came out of...They are off the shelf motors...I spose we will get more answers when we go to pick it up Thursday(ish). Good thinking with the thermo and PCV We will clean it up the best we can while the engine is out. We will take pictures and mark the wires/hoses too. Thanks for the in put. I will make a little thread when we are done.
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From: Dexter, MI
A couple of other thoughts. You might consider using the old head with the replacement engine. At least making a comparison might be worth your time.
While you are at it, consider replacing the camshaft belt as well as accessory drive belt. I think it would be easier to replace the camshaft belt before the engine is installed than doing it later. Then you know the condition of the belt.
Does the replacement engine come with the alternator? If so, you might consider have them both checked at an auto parts store and use the best one, keeping the other as a spare.
The more things you can inspect, the better off you will be and you will be current on various maintenence items
While you are at it, consider replacing the camshaft belt as well as accessory drive belt. I think it would be easier to replace the camshaft belt before the engine is installed than doing it later. Then you know the condition of the belt.
Does the replacement engine come with the alternator? If so, you might consider have them both checked at an auto parts store and use the best one, keeping the other as a spare.
The more things you can inspect, the better off you will be and you will be current on various maintenence items
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Gambrills
So we switched the motor in August(ish) (it was hotter than hades!). Now a 2+ months later the head gasket "went bad" so my buddy kept driving it and now it is locked up! The motor is under warrenty so we are swapping it out w/another junkyard motor tomorrow (in the cold rain n snow)! I told him I was putten back together with wing nuts for the easy swapout next time, lol.
What a PITA!
What a PITA!
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lost
I would look at the possibility of a partly clogged radiator. These engines aren't prone to head gasket issues, unless they are run hot, and the only common item to both engines is the radiator.
The radiators are prone to failure. My 95 came with a rather new rad installed....
The radiators are prone to failure. My 95 came with a rather new rad installed....
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Lead Driver
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From: Gambrills
I would look at the possibility of a partly clogged radiator. These engines aren't prone to head gasket issues, unless they are run hot, and the only common item to both engines is the radiator.
The radiators are prone to failure. My 95 came with a rather new rad installed....
The radiators are prone to failure. My 95 came with a rather new rad installed....
Is there an easy way to check it?
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