Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts!

Go Back   Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! > >
Forgot Password? Join Us!

Welcome to Ford Ranger Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread

  #1  
Old 02-03-2012, 03:40 AM
velozp velozp is offline
Like the Forums
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 41
Default 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?

Hi all I am thinking of buying an 04 ranger 2wd with 100,000 miles. Its a creampuff. However I researched that this year had a new duratech 2.3 which has a timing chain but is also an interfering motor. Has anyone had a timing chain break or slip a tooth causing extensive damage to the valves? And would it be a good idea to change a chain? I have a 99 with the conventional 2.5 non int w/belt. Any help is appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-03-2012, 07:53 AM
mthomp1 mthomp1 is offline
Gun Totin' Cowboy
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,183
Default Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?

If you want the extra peace of mind, you should go ahead and change it. 100k really isn't that many miles, though. My truck is at 119k miles now (I bought it with 87k), and I have no idea whether the previous owner replaced the timing chain or not. It's on my list of things to do.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-03-2012, 08:19 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,268
Default Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?

Quote:
Originally Posted by velozp View Post
Hi all I am thinking of buying an 04 ranger 2wd with 100,000 miles. Its a creampuff. However I researched that this year had a new duratech 2.3 which has a timing chain but is also an interfering motor. Has anyone had a timing chain break or slip a tooth causing extensive damage to the valves? And would it be a good idea to change a chain? I have a 99 with the conventional 2.5 non int w/belt. Any help is appreciated.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mthomp1 View Post
If you want the extra peace of mind, you should go ahead and change it. 100k really isn't that many miles, though. My truck is at 119k miles now (I bought it with 87k), and I have no idea whether the previous owner replaced the timing chain or not. It's on my list of things to do.
I respectfully disagree^^^^^^.......the 2.3 duratec is a very good engine...the timing chain should last the life of the engine.....I would run synthetic oil and run it no more than 5k....change all the fluids in the truck........there is a vacuum line that fails.I think it is toward the bottom drivers side..........the T-stat also costs over $100.......other then that a solid engine
__________________
2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-03-2012, 10:21 AM
mopar9012 mopar9012 is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 519
Default Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?

200k on my chain, I'm not worried about it.
__________________
2002 3.0 Ford Ranger 4x2, Auto, 250k miles
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-03-2012, 10:37 AM
mthomp1 mthomp1 is offline
Gun Totin' Cowboy
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,183
Default Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?

Quote:
Originally Posted by modelageek View Post
I respectfully disagree^^^^^^.......the 2.3 duratec is a very good engine...the timing chain should last the life of the engine.....I would run synthetic oil and run it no more than 5k....change all the fluids in the truck........there is a vacuum line that fails.I think it is toward the bottom drivers side..........the T-stat also costs over $100.......other then that a solid engine
Understood. Though I wasn't suggesting that he replace it because it needs it, but rather to give him the peace of mind that a new one is on there and that he would be starting fresh with it considering he isn't the original owner.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-03-2012, 11:07 AM
longshot53 longshot53 is offline
some people never learn..
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 21
Default Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?

My ranger has the 2.5 and it has a timing BELT. I had it changed @ 138k because I felt I was driving on borrowed time. Ford specs inspection at 60k. I had it done by a shop. I also had them change the water pump at the same time, just to save on labor, because it basically the same process. If I were you, I would change the timing belt.
__________________
Life happens while you're making other plans...

1999 Ford Ranger XLT Sport 2WD
2.5L 4 Cylinder
4 Speed Auto
138,000 mi And Counting
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-03-2012, 11:13 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,268
Default Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?

Quote:
Originally Posted by longshot53 View Post
My ranger has the 2.5 and it has a timing BELT. I had it changed @ 138k because I felt I was driving on borrowed time. Ford specs inspection at 60k. I had it done by a shop. I also had them change the water pump at the same time, just to save on labor, because it basically the same process. If I were you, I would change the timing belt.
he doesn't have a timing belt.........your engine is an non interference engine so you don't have to worry about trashing the engine if the belt brakes.........IMHO I think you can go 100k miles or 10 years on the belt.....

When a timing chain is used it should last the entire life on the motor....that being said if you ended up replacing the head I would at that point change the chain and tensionors .....
__________________
2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 02-03-2012, 11:41 AM
Lee_T413 Lee_T413 is offline
We'll fix 'er up.
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 950
Default Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?

My tensioner is rattling in warm weather (pissed, sounds like a diesel) will have to do the swap soon! maybe when my auto tranny goes, and i decide to do a manual swap, i can get at it easier.
__________________
2000 Ford Ranger (gen 4), XLT 4x4 OFF-ROAD package, 4:10's, Powerdome Hood, LOTS of mods.
Add me on facebook
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-03-2012, 11:45 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,268
Default Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?

Quote:
Originally Posted by 00 FlareSide Ranger View Post
My tensioner is rattling in warm weather (pissed, sounds like a diesel) will have to do the swap soon! maybe when my auto tranny goes, and i decide to do a manual swap, i can get at it easier.
I believe your 4.0 is know for having a faulty tensioner. I believe they fixed it in 2001 or 2002
__________________
2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 02-03-2012, 10:00 PM
nb11 nb11 is offline
Liking the Ford Ranger Forum
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 29
Default Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?

155k miles here. These little engines are tough as nails.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Timing Chain inavacuum 3.0 Vulcan Tech 2 01-05-2011 05:06 PM
Timing chain? DangerRanger832 3.0 Vulcan Tech 0 12-11-2010 09:25 AM
timing chain? Clinton 4.0 SOHC / 4.0 OHV Tech 28 11-07-2010 06:51 PM
Timing belt or timing chain? Gonzos xlt 4-Cylinder Tech 8 09-27-2010 06:20 AM
3.0 timing chain aaron_ariens 3.0 Vulcan Tech 5 03-24-2010 11:31 AM