I read that it is on my valve cover but I still can't seem to find it for some reason. Is it hidden somewhere where it would be hard to see or should it be jumping out at me? Does anyone happen to have any diagrams or pictures or a ranger engine so I have an idea where it might be? I'd like to at least check it since it's been a while since it was replaced. Thanks.

 

Well, just so nobody has to answer me, I found where it is at. It's in a very tight location near the firewall on the back of the valve cover driver's side. I can't even see the hose or hoses that run into it. Funny how it's always the easy things to replace that are in the worst locations to replace them!

 

Well, don't know WHICH Ranger you have, but in my 2006 2.3L, it is where you say, pretty much. Shop manual has you remove the splash guard for better access, then move aside a coolant hose (if I remember right) to get at it.

 

From what I have heard the 2.3L in the Focus (same as the 2.3L in the ranger) requires the removal of the intake manifold.

$3 item and $200 install. I just love Ford at times

 

Well maybe you gotta do that for the Focus, but definitely not on my '06 2.3L Ranger.

 

(I've had this discussion with some higher up's at our local plant before)

Remember, Ford (as well as the others) designs things for quick assembly, on the assembly lines. Then they take a car apart, and figure out how, and how much time, for the repair manuals.

 

I finally replaced it the other night actually. It wasn't too hard getting the old one off. Putting the new one on was a different story. At least trying to reconnect the hose was difficult because you can't even see where the hose is at. You basically have to feel around back there with the intake on top and all the other hoses and wires in the way. Eventually got it in though. The old one rattled but had a lot of crud in it so I still decided to replace it anyway. Thanks guys.

 

I thought 97 was the last year they put the 2.3 in the rangers and now they have the 2.5.

 

My '07 has the 2.3....

 

Ok, well i didnt know. Is it the same as the old 2.3 like in my truck? Does it have dual spark plugs? Great engine if you ask me.

 

The sohc 2.3 lima engine was replaced by the sohc 2.5 lima. The 2.5 was replaced a few years later by the dohc 2.3 duratec. The lima 2.3/2.5 and the duratec 2.3 are completely different animals. Both are practically bulletproof and have been known to last 400,000 miles and beyond with just routine maintenance.