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.

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.

Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?
 

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

Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?
 

200k on my chain, I'm not worried about it.

Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?
 

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.

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.

Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?
 

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 .....

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.

Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?
 

I believe your 4.0 is know for having a faulty tensioner. I believe they fixed it in 2001 or 2002

Re: 2004 2.3 timing chain? int motor?
 

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