Long term reliability of the 2.3

[Dean]

This engine has a forged steel crank, forged steel connecting rods, lightweight high-strength pistons with steel piston ring carriers and fully floating pins. The pistons have a low-friction skirt coating and fewer oil drainage holes for better lubrication and lower friction. The bottom side of cylinders is cooled with oil constantly sprayed by special oil jets inside the engine block.

This same engine makes 310hp in the Mustang... so it is de-tuned for the Ranger.

Of course it is going to last... Turbo rebuild around 100k..Maybe..

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[hughesjv]

Any known, wide spread problems with this engine? I’ve heard and read about the gas in oil, but not sure if it’s a small number of problems. And what causes it?

Is the 2.3 in the Ranger the same exact engine that’s in the Explorer and mustang?

Im just curious about the strength and durability of the block and if it’s capable of handling a life of towing in the Rangers?

I’m trying to find out as much information on the 2.3. From what I’ve read it’s a semi open block, and it’s basically the same as the 2.0 ecoboost, but the 2.0 ecoboost is closed block and is said to be more robust?

Also, why hasn’t Ford gone with dual injection with this engine, like every engine in the F150?

Any information is appreciated.

No issues here...knock on wood...2 years and happily purring like a mountain lion!!!

 

[Jrel209]

This engine has a forged steel crank, forged steel connecting rods, lightweight high-strength pistons with steel piston ring carriers and fully floating pins. The pistons have a low-friction skirt coating and fewer oil drainage holes for better lubrication and lower friction. The bottom side of cylinders is cooled with oil constantly sprayed by special oil jets inside the engine block.

This same engine makes 310hp in the Mustang... so it is de-tuned for the Ranger.

Of course it is going to last... Turbo rebuild around 100k..Maybe..

my first turbo vehicle. How much will that normally cost? Also is it best to stick oem or use that time to upgrade?

 

[Superdannyboy]

my first turbo vehicle. How much will that normally cost? Also is it best to stick oem or use that time to upgrade?

If I was to replace the turbo I would stick with oem if I just wanted the same size and performance or if I wanted a bigger turbo and more performance, then of course a different turbo altogether.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

my first turbo vehicle. How much will that normally cost? Also is it best to stick oem or use that time to upgrade?

You can get a used OEM unit for around $400, a higher performance replacement for around $1000.

Turbos are so common now that there are plenty to choose from.

 

[Rhonda O]

Any known, wide spread problems with this engine? I’ve heard and read about the gas in oil, but not sure if it’s a small number of problems. And what causes it?

Is the 2.3 in the Ranger the same exact engine that’s in the Explorer and mustang?

Im just curious about the strength and durability of the block and if it’s capable of handling a life of towing in the Rangers?

I’m trying to find out as much information on the 2.3. From what I’ve read it’s a semi open block, and it’s basically the same as the 2.0 ecoboost, but the 2.0 ecoboost is closed block and is said to be more robust?

Also, why hasn’t Ford gone with dual injection with this engine, like every engine in the F150?

Any information is appreciated.

My old Ranger had the same engine I had it for 17 years my new one has the same engine with ecoboost added no problems with it I have talked with several mechanics they all have said it's a terrific engine. I love mine.

 

[Floyd]

My old Ranger had the same engine I had it for 17 years my new one has the same engine with ecoboost added no problems with it I have talked with several mechanics they all have said it's a terrific engine. I love mine.

Not hardly
both great engines though.

 

[SFB]

Bingo. They do one at a time while the intake valve is closed. There’s some fancy new system that has a vacuum hose on it which sucks the shells and carbon as they blast. I suspect any of the decent euro shops in your area could do it. I wouldn’t worry too much about the intake buildup until it becomes an issue. If the first gen 3.5 in the f150 and expedition is any indicator it might not ever become a large issue. They have sold a lot of those so there is plenty of data out there on them. Not too many reports of carbon fouling causing misfires and such. It’s a thing that can happen for sure but it’s not necessarily something you would worry about in the first 100k miles or more. Plenty of folks in f150s at 200k miles and never had walnut blasting done. The newer 3.5 solved the potential issue but even on the earlier motor there’s a ton of high miles trucks out there.

My last car was an Edge with the 2.0 eco poop, I traded it at 125K miles. I never had one issue with the motor. Ran great throughout. I had lots of Highway and mixed driving.

 

[Tfcurranjr]

Having destroyed a Ford engine, or two, my advice is: The 2.3 EgoBruiser is a stout little beast....if you wanna prevent it from getting heart disease, or schmuck build-up on the valves...then drive it like you stole it. Just don’t abuse it; that’s what Red Lines are for. I drive my Ranger in ‘Sport Mode’, no matter what position the gear shifter is in. Life is short, so go get an aftermarket exhaust system & make some noise!

 

[THLONE]

7 pages and still going strong

 

[THLONE]

I have never noticed weather the post count on a page is the same, or can some long winded person take up a whole page with bla bla. Bla. LOL bla.

 

[Tracy Bowman]

i guess i shoulda said view count...but alas, this is why I am not sending satellites into orbit or trying to land a rover onto Mars.

You’re a sport knocker RP!

 

[wanted33]

I think I’ll be buying one more ICE truck, before the inevitable electric truck/SUV purchase. So I want to make sure it’s the right choice. I also want to purchase a bit into the life cycle. Maybe by then range will be acceptable. I’d be down right pissed if I bought a model using lithium ion and like a year later a better battery technology is released to the public lol.

Thanks for all the information. From all that I’ve read from owners of the 2.3 it’s a pretty impressive and stout engine. It’s been around awhile now and from here and the mustang forums engine failures seem to be rare.

Makes me feel a little better. God bless beta testers lol.

We have a member here @Msfitoy that has a '19 with nearly 70K miles without any problems. I think the 2.3L, with reasonable maintenance, will last a long time.

 

[Coyote Chaser]

Is the 2.3 in the Ranger the same exact engine that’s in the Explorer and mustang?

I have the same question! Did Ford make any changes to the 2020 Ecoboost motor??

PS: The 2.3 ecoboost motor has an open deck engine block and the 2.0 ecoboost motor has a semi open deck engine block.

 

[Dgc333]

Having had two Ecoboost Mustangs here are the things that are different between the Mustang and Ranger versions of the 2.3 that I am aware of;
1. Turbo Charger - Mustang has a pneumatic wastegate actuator and the Ranger has an electric one. The compressor outlets are in different locations.
2. Intake Manifold - Mustang has the throttle body on the front of the manifold log. Ranger has it in the center below the log.
3. Oil Filter Adapter - Mustang has a vertically mounted oil filter. Ranger has a horizontal mount and includes an oil cooler that uses engine coolant to warm the oil up quicker and control how hot it gets.
4. Front Engine Cover - The Ranger has provisions for and engine driven fan. Mustang uses an electric fan.
5. Cylinder Head - the Ranger has slightly different machining of the head with a corresponding revised head gasket for improved cooling that was a carry over from the Focus RS engine.

There may be more, these are the ones I am aware of.

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