I need a new block for my 2007 Ranger 2.3L and I am wondering if I can use a 2.5L block as there are so many of them and they are cheap.

 

Well after talking with a guy at Esslinger Engineering he said I should just use a Ford Fusion 2.5L block, and just remove the balancer, install delete plug, and use my 2.3 oil pan, timing cover, intake, exhaust, valve cover, damper and it will work fine. Ranger 2.3 engines are hard to find and all have high miles.

 

Today I found a 2014 Fusion 2.5L with 33,000 miles on it and got the motor for $800 I will be removing everything from the motor down to the short block next...pictures to come.

 

Great find! Keep us posted on the swap

 

I am picking up the 2.5L engine tomorrow and today I needed to remove the engine, I want to leave the transmission in the truck so removing the Engine Mount Brackets will make it really easy to just nudge the engine forward and lift it out, also putting it back in will be really easy. I just put a jack stand under the tranny to support it, remove the starter, remover converter bolts, hook up cherry picker, remove tranny bolts to the engine, remove Engine Mount Brackets, remove the engine.

First, you will need to remove the two bolts that hold the Engine Mount Brackets to the block. Just remove the two Engine Mount Brackets bolts so you can check up the block to get to the top bolts, I went through the wheel well. Do the same for the passenger side. The 2 bottom bolts are easy to get to on the Engine Mount Brackets


Driver Side


Passenger Side

 

Well it turns out one of the bottom bolts on each side are a bit tough to get off and even more the engine needs to be lifted high enough to have the oil pan not hit the cross frame, I just left the mounts on and the engine came out with no issues.

 

Well after I got the new used 2.5L block and fixed it, I had to remove the Crack to fix a crack in the block I decided to put some new rings and bearing in since I everything was apart. I gave the cylinders a quick deglazing with a ball hone a d cleaned up the piston a d block. I used Chem-Dip and a ultrasonic clean a d cleaned pistons Up like new.


Here is a piston before cleaning.


Here is two pistons being cleaned.


Here is one after cleaning. Totally clean groves and all.

 

Very nice!! Where did you get that cleaner? That looks like a great size.
EDIT:
Never mind. I found it. Great price too!

 

I use Chem-Dip and let the pistons soak in it for 20min and then turn on the device for 30mins with the heat off, it will generate heat on its own, I then scrub off the pistons and if needed put them in the device for another 30mins and that did it for my pistons, like new. When I was done I just pour the Chem-Dip back into its canister for another day.