Got '92 ranger 2.3l 5 speed 2wd. Just replaced head gasket and its still smocking white smoke badly. I cleaned head and resurface valves, and changed valve steam seals, still same as before. Now I found whole engine for sale , its 2.3 out of '97 ranger 2wd, and I'm not sure if it's gonna fit in my '92, and what needs to be changed. Should I go with this, or just get new head. Any suggestions. Thanks

 

I would try another head and have the new or used head inspected for cracks. I tried a similar swap once on a coworker's truck and had no luck, the reason was that the crank sensor locations and types are different and the truck would not run with the newly installed engine. I was trying to install a 1995 2.3L ranger engine into a 1990 model truck. Hope this helps.

 

That's exactly what I wanted to know. They look kinda same but I was worried about sensors. Thanks a lot, I'll try to get used head, and get it tested before instalation. Thanks

 

You made no mention of whether you had the head resurfaced. If the head warps, it will not seal to the new gasket and you will have the same problem you had before. A machine shop will also treat the head with a dye that should reveal any cracks.