Notices

Timing Chain or Belt

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 10, 2005 | 11:43 PM
  #1  
HaroldCallahan's Avatar
HaroldCallahan
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Timing Chain or Belt

Does the 2.3 in the new Rangers have a timing chain or belt ? How does the 2.3 compare to the 3.0 V6 in terms of gas mileage or reliability. My current ranger has the 3.0 which I am very happy with. All I have done is change the plugs, oil/filter, air filter and fuel filter with this 3.0 - no problem at 150,000 miles. My next Ranger may be the 2.3. Mostly highway driving at about 70 to 80 mph getting about 24 to 25 mpg.

I am very curious to know if the 2.3 would be as trouble free and economical.
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2005 | 12:04 PM
  #2  
JD717's Avatar
JD717
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 966
Likes: 0
From: Hudson Florida.
The 2.3 from my experience, and what I've heard, is a very reliable and strong motor, just not REALLY powerful. in terms of fuel economy, it is pretty good. my carbed 2.3 seems to be getting around 20-26mpg or more doing around 50-60mph. I kinda like it.
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2005 | 01:46 PM
  #3  
AlfredB1979's Avatar
AlfredB1979
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
Likes: 1
From: Alvin, Texas.
Mazda has been cranking out pretty good 4 cylinders for quite a while, so they have a wee bit of practice.

I believe the 2.3L only has 4 spark plugs on it, so that can't be a bad thing...though I like my 8 plug setup.

I believe the D-tec 2.3L is a belt setup as well. The mpgs blow away most 3.slows, and the peak hp is similar, but it takes a little longer to get to it, since the 2.3L is very "peaky".

My old school 2.3L gets about 30mpg's doing anywhere near a normal speed limit, but still gets ~25ish doing 80ish on the highway.
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2005 | 02:49 PM
  #4  
xlt4me's Avatar
xlt4me
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Indiana
The Duratec 2.3L has a cam chain and as far as I can tell from searching this site and the internet it is very reliable. The best mileage I have gotten, ( at least when I checked ), was 29mpg and that was with a light load in the back. Mine is an '04 reg cab with auto. I have heard of some with the stick getting over 30mph on the highway.

Here is a little more info on it...

http://www.escortfocus.com/html/2_3_duratec.html
 

Last edited by xlt4me; Dec 11, 2005 at 02:52 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2008 | 12:19 PM
  #5  
sneak's Avatar
sneak
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 682
Likes: 0
From: South Eastern MN
Since we're allready talking about timing belts, how often are they supposed to be changed? I've got fifty thousand miles on my 96 ranger with a 2.3L.

EDIT: Holy crap this is an old thread... lol
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
brent1204
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
3
Jul 6, 2015 08:18 PM
don77
4 Cylinder Engines
5
Nov 26, 2011 08:18 AM
bigredtruck
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
15
Feb 9, 2011 10:46 PM
medicpg
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
1
Sep 4, 2003 10:41 AM
fattyarbuckle
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
2
Jun 9, 2003 11:02 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:34 AM.

story-0
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-02 21:45:57


VIEW MORE
story-1
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-5
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE