Engine Replacement at 50k Miles - rod bearing

[OrangeStreak]

Hello,

I am hesitant to even make this thread because it seems like such a freak rare thing to happen. Put I wanted to share that my 2021 Tremor with 50k miles is getting a replacement long block due to a spun rod bearing in cylinder 4. I have to say that Ford Country has made this as convenient as possible. They even got us an F150 so we didn't need to change upcoming vacation plans as well. Things happen and break, the service experience has been solid though.

I was always worried about putting a tune on the Ranger should something like this happen, so thankful I did not otherwise I might be SOL. I asked the foreman what if it was tuned, he said they would have had to prove it was the tune, which was actually cool to hear. He told me he ran a tune on his 5G Ranger and might on his 6G Raptor too. He told me you just never see this kind of failure on the 2.3L with a well maintained engine.

The day the knock happened was just another day, driving down the road and around 2500-3000rpm a knock was heard under moderate load right before the shift. I was still accelerating to 50mph when it happened. Let off the throttle immediately and got back on it, knock went away and came back. With light throttle (probably no boost) I could work my way up to speed without the knock. Got an appointment at the dealer the next day.

-5k full synthetic oil changes
-never tuned, only K&N filter
-coolant flush done around 45k (by 50k both diffs, trans and transfer case all had fluids done)

Saw it this morning, sure enough, the bearing was toast. He told me he thought his tech was BS'ing him when he heard there was a Ranger with a knock. He said it is just bad luck, which is what I told him, I couldn't find a single other Ranger in the forums that had an engine replaced. Probably a covid engine since we purchased around March 2021.

He said the Turbo oil lines looked good which was another worry I had.

He also mentioned that at their dealer they have not had any Rangers come in for the CDF drum either. He said the Rangers are very reliable overall.

Really, there was no warning of this. Maybe the person doing the oil changes could have seen some metal or maybe the oil filter caught it all. Even if someone did see something, until it failed, Ford wouldn't have done anything anyway.

It will get a remanufactured long block which I get it. He did say that the rotating assembly is new in them. It could be a mix of what is used though but I would presume the block and head castings are what is rebuilt. Maybe I will get lucky and have a new block too but I wont care enough to check castings. I just want it working 100%. Looking at all the new trucks, I really just want my 2021 back. Sure a 6G Raptor would be cool but it is like Eh, awesome truck but I love my truck.

Just sharing should it help someone out.

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[Cmar]

I agree, despite it's relatively high state of tune, the 2.3 appears to be a fairly stout engine. You don't hear of many failing mechanically. One reason I wish that Ford had offered it here as an option in the Ranger, instead of that crappy 2.0 L rubber belt driven diesel. But no, if you want a 2.3 you have to buy the Ranger VW clone, and Volkswagen have opted to put it in the post expensive model.

Update, it appears we will see it when we get the Hybrid Ranger next year - still the most expensive model.

 

[awd.nv]

2.3L teardown, funny enough, while cyl 1 basically has no bearings left, cyl 2's bearings still look better than my cyl 4 bearings.

I asked them today if they are replacing the oil pump and if not, please let me know the cost. So no they are not (hope they tested oil PSI before making that decision). Secondly, it cost nearly $900

They told me it will have a 2yr unlimited mile.... I need to see if Scan Gauge has a code for oil temp or find a reader that does. They do not show a code for it so I assumed they didnt but on this one I sure want a reading for it.

 

[NotBudule2]

900 bucks for an oil pump ? Something seems off ?...

Ok ,.it's part of the "balance assembly" ... Brilliant ?!!! Says 465 bucks though , which is still crazy town ?, imho...

 

[awd.nv]

900 bucks for an oil pump ? Something seems off ?...

Ok ,.it's part of the "balance assembly" ... Brilliant ?!!! Says 465 bucks though , which is still crazy town ?, imho...

Yeah it was something like $890 they told me over the phone. I presume it is the complete assembly including the balance shaft assembly. Part of me would think it would be included in a long block but other part of me can see why it is not.

Parts department surely marked it up, seems to be LB5Z-6A311-A $661.67 MSRP? Even with a new pickup not quite sure where they get the $900 without parts dept. marking it up. Oh well.

 

[AzScorpion]

Yeah it was something like $890 they told me over the phone. I presume it is the complete assembly including the balance shaft assembly. Part of me would think it would be included in a long block but other part of me can see why it is not.

Parts department surely marked it up, seems to be LB5Z-6A311-A $661.67 MSRP? Even with a new pickup not quite sure where they get the $900 without parts dept. marking it up. Oh well.

It does seem kind of high priced and should be around $450-$550. If you're going to keep the truck and seeing as you're like me (full of OCD) I'd recommend bitting the bullet and having a new one installed. I'd just look at it as a $900 insurance policy and you'll second guess yourself every day and it'll drive you crazy if you don't.

 

[Big Blue]

I need to see if Scan Gauge has a code for oil temp or find a reader that does. They do not show a code for it so I assumed they didnt but on this one I sure want a reading for it.

I don't know if the 2.3 has an oil temp sensor. I do have a code for oil pressure that I can monitor on my Torque Pro screen.

 

[RangerBill]

I don't know if the 2.3 has an oil temp sensor. I do have a code for oil pressure that I can monitor on my Torque Pro screen.

I don't see an oil temperature sensor in the wiring diagrams.

 

[awd.nv]

I don't see an oil temperature sensor in the wiring diagrams.

I don't know if the 2.3 has an oil temp sensor. I do have a code for oil pressure that I can monitor on my Torque Pro screen.

Yeah I don't think we have one. Scan Gauge got back to me and said they do not have a code for it but sent me the code for oil pressure. Gonna have that pulled up. They also sent the cyl head temp sensor codes too. Since I can only pick 4, I will probably keep it as Load, Coolant temp, trans temp and now oil psi.

It does seem kind of high priced and should be around $450-$550. If you're going to keep the truck and seeing as you're like me (full of OCD) I'd recommend bitting the bullet and having a new one installed. I'd just look at it as a $900 insurance policy and you'll second guess yourself every day and it'll drive you crazy if you don't.

Man, I know. It is not like I don't have the money but I am worried I still wont be happy with it because of a hack job then adding the insult of spending $900 (maybe included tax who knows). It bothers me it is marked up so much.

The advisor had a point, he told me you spoke with the foreman, ya know if he thought the oil pump was bad he would replace it. I would rather hear it from the foreman or tech especially but maybe they saw PSI was good and ruled that out.

I am basically looking at YT videos for the 2.7L 2024 Ranger at this point. That motor in the F150 was pretty good so the Ranger being lighter, even better. I really want a truck with 4 Auto though if I am going to make this switch so crossing fingers there is a future Tremor with the 4 Auto and the 2.7L (doubt they would put the 3.0L).

 

[awd.nv]

Well, 5 weeks at the dealer and still do not have my Ranger RIP. Feel like they are not being transparent at this time. I was told Friday 11/15 they damaged the Radiator and ordered a new one coming from LA (one state over, next day ground is normal for me as I ship a lot).

So Monday comes, I get a text late in the day that the Foreman is on it. Radiator is in, all is looking good. I text back, something like cool, better to have it done right than rushed. I do want to request a test drive before I sign for it. Nothing back.

Tuesday I call but didnt leave a message. Never got contacted. So far 10am Wed and nothing from the dealer

Wild card, Monday my Ford pass app gives me an engine overheated warning along with some other warnings. I would dismiss it other than it never did this prior. That was a concern. Combined with the delay, I am wondering what are they not telling me.


Ugg

Edit: Got an update yesterday, little while after this post. They did the radiator and the low oil pressure light came on. They replaced the sensor and it has not come on since, readings look good. They are just watching it a few more days to make sure there are no issues. They think this Friday will be a good day to pick it up if all is well.

At this point, glad they are not rushing it out the door.

 

[awd.nv]

FINALLY got it back!! 7 weeks, sheesh. So happy to be back in the Ranger. They reset all the adaptations so the trans and such are relearning but other than that, she seems back to normal.

Technically Monday it was "done" but on my test drive the interior smelt like shop rags (fuel/oil) and with the heater on almost like burning oil or that heater smell you get the first use in the winter. Long story short, they covered a detail for me. I got a call back too late in the day on Tuesday to get it so I picked it up this morning.

The F150 was a nice truck but man, just feels like your steering a boat when you are trying to do U-turns or back into a parking spot. Man, I missed my Ranger. Funny on Monday's test drive I swore the thing had no boost or retarded timing compared to the F150 Powerboost (3.5L Twin Turbo Hybrid) so all day Monday/Tuesday I drove it in Eco mode to make the Ranger feel spirited again lol it worked.

 

[Big Blue]

FINALLY got it back!! 7 weeks, sheesh. So happy to be back in the Ranger. They reset all the adaptations so the trans and such are relearning but other than that, she seems back to normal.

Technically Monday it was "done" but on my test drive the interior smelt like shop rags (fuel/oil) and with the heater on almost like burning oil or that heater smell you get the first use in the winter. Long story short, they covered a detail for me. I got a call back too late in the day on Tuesday to get it so I picked it up this morning.

The F150 was a nice truck but man, just feels like your steering a boat when you are trying to do U-turns or back into a parking spot. Man, I missed my Ranger. Funny on Monday's test drive I swore the thing had no boost or retarded timing compared to the F150 Powerboost (3.5L Twin Turbo Hybrid) so all day Monday/Tuesday I drove it in Eco mode to make the Ranger feel spirited again lol it worked.

Glad to hear your back in your Ranger. Hope all goes well this time.

 

[IdahoRanger]

Glad you got it back. It's been so long I had to go back and see what was being done.

 

[awd.nv]

Glad to hear your back in your Ranger. Hope all goes well this time.

Glad you got it back. It's been so long I had to go back and see what was being done.

Thanks. Sheesh, once it should have been done it was a tech damaged radiator, then low oil pressure that was a bad sensor, then finally set only to test drive with the bad smelling interior. Holey smokes.

During this 7 week period I researched other trucks and such, even went to a GMC dealer to sit in a Canyon, nothing really sold me like my Ranger. I also think in part the Tremor reminds me of the ~2005 Ranger FX4 Level ii I wanted but was too early in my career to justify.

Crossing fingers the result is coming up on a fresh engine at 50k miles that it trouble free

 

[AzScorpion]

FINALLY got it back!! 7 weeks, sheesh. So happy to be back in the Ranger. They reset all the adaptations so the trans and such are relearning but other than that, she seems back to normal.

Technically Monday it was "done" but on my test drive the interior smelt like shop rags (fuel/oil) and with the heater on almost like burning oil or that heater smell you get the first use in the winter. Long story short, they covered a detail for me. I got a call back too late in the day on Tuesday to get it so I picked it up this morning.

The F150 was a nice truck but man, just feels like your steering a boat when you are trying to do U-turns or back into a parking spot. Man, I missed my Ranger. Funny on Monday's test drive I swore the thing had no boost or retarded timing compared to the F150 Powerboost (3.5L Twin Turbo Hybrid) so all day Monday/Tuesday I drove it in Eco mode to make the Ranger feel spirited again lol it worked.

Glad it all worked out for you Anthony. Now you need to get a tune so you can have the power of the behemoth F150 with the smaller chassis Ranger! ?

Now, just be glad you weren't stuck in a Tacoma for 7 weeks!!

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