Ford Escape Engine Swap
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Saratoga, WY
Ford Escape Engine Swap
Hi everyone,
So I have 2002 Ford Escape with the 2.0 Zetec I4 engine and a 5 speed manual transmission. The SUV has about 182k miles on it and the engine recently went out on me. I love this SUV and want to know the best way to get this engine replaced. I have basic knowledge and have done a few repairs on the SUV but I was wondering how hard it would be to replace the engine myself? I don't have (or know) what tools will be needed to do this. I only have a ratchet set and some wrenches for the most part. I did some research and found that I can buy a re manufactured engine that comes with the 5 speed manual transmission at NAPA for about $2,200. Would I be better off buying the tools myself and swapping it or paying someone else to do it? I'm a college kid without a lot of money so anything I could save on would help. Also if you think it's better for me to do swap it myself any tips on doing it or letting me know what tools I would need would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
-Taylor
So I have 2002 Ford Escape with the 2.0 Zetec I4 engine and a 5 speed manual transmission. The SUV has about 182k miles on it and the engine recently went out on me. I love this SUV and want to know the best way to get this engine replaced. I have basic knowledge and have done a few repairs on the SUV but I was wondering how hard it would be to replace the engine myself? I don't have (or know) what tools will be needed to do this. I only have a ratchet set and some wrenches for the most part. I did some research and found that I can buy a re manufactured engine that comes with the 5 speed manual transmission at NAPA for about $2,200. Would I be better off buying the tools myself and swapping it or paying someone else to do it? I'm a college kid without a lot of money so anything I could save on would help. Also if you think it's better for me to do swap it myself any tips on doing it or letting me know what tools I would need would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
-Taylor
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Joined: Apr 2004
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JMO, have it done. Make sure there is a warranty on the engine and installation.
Again, JMO, but you don't want to "learn" on a vehicle that is your daily driver, and you can't afford to do this twice. Having to pull the engine to fix something that wasn't done right on the installation would be a disaster.
An older, simpler vehicle? Sure, why not. FWD, electronics, emissions, etc...not so much.
Again, JMO, but you don't want to "learn" on a vehicle that is your daily driver, and you can't afford to do this twice. Having to pull the engine to fix something that wasn't done right on the installation would be a disaster.
An older, simpler vehicle? Sure, why not. FWD, electronics, emissions, etc...not so much.
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Saratoga, WY
Hey, thanks a lot for replying. It means a lot. I also just wanted to ask you what you think what be the best way to get it done and how much you think it would cost? Thanks in advance!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
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From: suburban atlanta
If you can afford over ten hours of shop time at the going rate, that might cover the R&R of the drivetrain. I figure it would take that long with proper professional equipment.
If you don't want to put that much money into a twelve year old, then consider either a used engine for significantly less, or another vehicle. For the re-man cost you quoted, I think you could find a compete vehicle on c-list, or auto-trader.
If you have access to a 'cherry picker', you can do the whole thing yourself. You just need something to support the vehicle with the wheels off, as the drive axles have to be pulled if you are going to pull the transmission. The engine can be removed w/o the transmission if you are willing to separate them in the car. It is a lot less work.
There is nothing special about working on these. They are a bit more challenging than a RWD pickup for example. Mostly because of the suspension integration into the drivetrain as noted above.
tom
If you don't want to put that much money into a twelve year old, then consider either a used engine for significantly less, or another vehicle. For the re-man cost you quoted, I think you could find a compete vehicle on c-list, or auto-trader.
If you have access to a 'cherry picker', you can do the whole thing yourself. You just need something to support the vehicle with the wheels off, as the drive axles have to be pulled if you are going to pull the transmission. The engine can be removed w/o the transmission if you are willing to separate them in the car. It is a lot less work.
There is nothing special about working on these. They are a bit more challenging than a RWD pickup for example. Mostly because of the suspension integration into the drivetrain as noted above.
tom
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: PNW
It's hard to give advice on whether you should or shouldn't do this yourself. But, if you go ahead with this, get the factory service manual and read the whole procedure before you take anything apart. You might find that there are things you can't do and then you're stuck with an immobile car (assuming it at least runs now). For example, the engine removal procedure for Rangers, Aerostars and Explorers calls for removing some of the AC system paarts, which requires you to evacuate the refrigerant. Most people don't have the tools to do this. This would be something you should have a mechanic do before you start removing the engine. I don't know if this is the case for the Escape, but there might be other gotchas along the way.
The factory service manual will also tell you if any special tools are required. You don't always need them, but if you do, you can almost always find less expensive tools online if you search on the tool number listed in the shop manual.
The factory service manual will also tell you if any special tools are required. You don't always need them, but if you do, you can almost always find less expensive tools online if you search on the tool number listed in the shop manual.
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