Courier 2.3l
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: The Big, Oregon
Courier 2.3l
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?
Also, is this a Ford 2.3l or another manufacturer?
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Joined: May 2004
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From: The hills of No. Calif.
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...!
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...!
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: The Big, Oregon
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-
I'm going to tear into it after work tomorrow-
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Joined: May 2004
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From: The hills of No. Calif.
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...
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From: The Big, Oregon
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.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: The Big, Oregon
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: The Big, Oregon
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.
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.
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From: The Big, Oregon
Originally Posted by TigerDan
2.3s do have a tendency to pop the lifters out from time to time...
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.
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From: The hills of No. Calif.
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...
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From: The Big, Oregon
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.
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.
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From: The Big, Oregon
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.
The nice thing about dealing with this particular store is that they know me there, and don't give me any crap about returns.
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