What is a quick and easy way(s) to tell the difference b/w a 2.5L/V4, 3.0L/V6 and a 4.0L/V6 when looking at the engine from atop without getting under the truck? I know that on the side of the engine there is some sort of ID sticker but it just has a number code. Also, when Ford replaces an engine under warranty do they send the dealer a NEW IN THE CRATE engine or is it a rebuilt?

Thanks much.

Suz

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 22-Jul-00 AT 00:11 AM (EST)[/font][p]The four cylinder is easy. Count four cylinders. Four spark plug wires on each side.

I am not too familiar with the v6 ranger motors but I think the 3.0 is an over head cam, while the 4.0 is definatly a pushrod motor. If in fact the 3.0 is OHC you can look and see the timing chain covers and and head layout and determine if it has overhead cams. All motors that I am aware of have it stamped in the block some where but thats usually hard to find. The v6 will have 3 spark plug wires on each side.

 

The 3.0 is an OHV, it's the 4.0 that is available as both an OHV and OHC. ( at least in Explorers as my wife bought on last year with the 4.0 OHV and the 4.0 OHC was an option. Not sure if Rangers have the OHC yet ) The easiest way for to tell you is to check the oil filters. The 4.0 uses the big FL-1 filter while the 3.0 uses the small FL-300 oil filter. I believe they are both 60 degree V-6 engines ( narrow as opposed to the 3.8 & 4.2 90 degree V-6 )
wayne

 

The rangers have never had the OHC 4.0 but they will get them for 2001.

 

They have to replce the engine with a new one under warrantee. I could tell from looking, but I don't know what to tell you. Of course, the 4 cyl has 4 plugs, duh, that's a hard one!
If you're getting a warrantee replacement engine, they would have to put the same thing back in. Anything else would require modifications which I don't think they'd want to fool with.

 

I don't know about other engines, and years, but I have a 97 with a 4.0L, and the air intake has a big 4.0 written on it. Of course there are other ways to tell, but that is the easiest.

 

Usually the VECI label which should be on the core support or else on the hood says what is in it originally. Unless someone repainted the vehicle (body shop/wreck) or if someone swapped in a different engine this sticker ought to be there to tell you what is in there.


88 F-150 4X4 w/5.0 EFI 5 spd
86 Ranger 2WD w/2.3L EFI 5 spd to be 351W 4bbl C4

 

If you do not know by now Rangers have 4 cylinder engines WITH 8 count them 1, 2 , 3, 4 , 5, 6, 7, 8 spark plugs and wires. There is no real difference between the 2.3L/2.5L I-4, they use the same block, I believe the stroke is a little different and the 2.5 makes 4 more horse and 6 more lb-ft of torque which is easily found in 2.3L. The 3.0L V-6 is an OHV motor and has appeared in a normal gas version as well as a flexible fuel version that could be powered by gas or E85. The 4.0L Pushrod V-6 is an antiquated piece and very inefficient, yet is near bullit proof and was used as the "Big Motor"in the Ranger until the 2001 model year when Ford decided to make available the 4.0L SOHC motor made for the Explorer and Standard on the Sport Trac. This is an unbelievable motor and should it ever become available in a regular cab short bed, get me some Cobra R wheeels I am going to get me one of them "Guided MIssles" As far as I know this motor is only available in Edge Extended cab Rangers for '01. If someone out there can get me an order code, a legitimate order code for a Regular cab short bed w/ the SOHC and the 5 spd auto, PLEASE Reply.

 

not only 8 plugs and wires,...but 2 distributors. atleast my '89 ranger custom with a 2.3L efi

 

I don't know if the person that originally posted this message is still around but you can tell which motor your Ranger has by the 8th character in the VIN.

C=2.0L
P=2.2L
A=2.3L
E=2.3L
S=2.8L
T=2.9L
U=3.0L
X=4.0L

I assume this information is correct. It was in my case anyway. Hope this helps.