I have a 2001 Ranger 5 speed with 240K miles on it. It's throwing a code 301. The dealer says Cylinder 1 is losing compression and the only way to fix it is new engine. I can't pass the inspection emissions test due to the check engine light. So I'm looking into buying another truck wrecked or salvaged as long as the engine is the same. From what year to what year is this engine a direct swap? Also any other Ford models have this type engine to swap with.


Thx in advance

 

Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market is hollander based and will give you some idea of interchange. Looks like there must have been a lot of yearly changes about then - 2001 lists only 2001 Rangers and Mazdas as donor, 2002 only 2002. Going back a few years, eg: 1995-1998 engines seem to interchange with each other, but sadly not really useful to you. You might want to check some rebuilt engine listings, since this would tell you if a short or long-block assembly had a wider year interchange, which would suggest if the differences are more minor and could maybe be swapped over from your existing engine.

Good luck!

 

I have access to a salvage interchange index these will bolt in directly

If you have a non flex fuel truck
MAZDA B-3000 2001 3.0L), VIN U
RANGER 2001 (3.0L), VIN U



If you have a flex fuel truck
MAZDA B-3000 2001 , 3.0L), VIN V (flex fuel)
RANGER 2001 (3.0L), VIN V (flex fuel)

It looks like you can use a flex fuel or non flex fuel application long as you do the following.
Electrical & induction systems vary, compare and switch as necessary.
Compare fuel injectors when going between flex fuel and gasoline applications.
Valve cover appearance varies; swap if necessary.
Interchange includes regular and flex fuel (E 85) vehicles.
VIN U or V.

 

Thanks guys!! I was afraid it would only be the exact year 2001. Guess I will have to expand my search with the Mazda. I'll check the salvage yards also.

 

Have you compared the cost of a new engine to repairing the one you have? Its probably rings but could be head gasket or valves.

 

No I haven't compared the cost yet. I have a feeling a new engine with be around 4 grand hence the reason I'm looking into a salvaged/wrecked truck. The dealer said that I'm losing compression in Cylinder 1. They said they wouldn't know what the issue was until they "go in" and look at it. Which means RIP OFF to me.

 

In an engine rebuild they have plenty opportunity to rip you off. But try to get some quotes on possible fixes like head gasket or rings. Privately owned shops are more likely to try to get a rough quote for those repairs, weather those repairs are really needed or not, you have to tear into it to find that out. But look at the cost of that verses a new ( by new I mean new to you; salvaged ) engine. Because if you get a salvaged engine you'll have to deal with the swap, or pay to have it done.

 

is there a big difference between the 2 motors on the years , i know the transmission is different , i am wondering if the motor out of an 2000 ford ranger will work in an 2001 ford ranger , both motors are the 3.0 l or is there alot of extra work

 

The basic motor never changed so you could make any year work but to minimize the number of changes you have to make I think you want a 2k+ motor as the intake and other parts like the ignition system were changed in '98/99. The biggest thing is to make sure you don't use any wiring that comes with the motor because Ford is notorious for changing connector pinouts and wire colors from year to year.

 

It honestly depends on how much work you want to do on how wide a range of "interchange" will work and how much of the parts of the old engine will have to be reused. I put a Taurus motor in my ranger because it was cheaper and lower mileage than any of the "ranger" motors I could find. I did pull the heads, swapped gaskets, new bolts, new ranger oil pump, old pan, accessory cover etc. basically I ONLY used the block and heads.

 

A loss of compression can be from ring or piston problems which would mean a new engine, but a problem with the valves or head gasket would not be so dire. Have they run a leak down test to determine where the compression is going?