2.3L ('02-'11) 2005 XL engine removal, First time here.

[DaveH]

Started pulling the blown engine. Ran into a couple of issues. 1. Should the intake manifold come off the engine before the engine comes out? 2. Should the ECU plug be disconnected at the firewall or does the wiring harness separate from the engine before coming out? I started to take the intake off and boy are two of the bolts hard to get to while in the car.

 

[pjtoledo]

go in thru the wheel well. remove the small vac port manifold at the rear of the intake, 2 screws.
for a first timer, pull the intake to keep breaking things to a minumum.
pull the ECU plug, a couple harness hold down are on tranmission bolts.
I had easy access to lots of stuff from underneath, like the top bell housing bolts.

 

[pjtoledo]

did this last spring. actually got the engine out with the hood still attached.
did remove it for installiation.
there are tricks to get to the hidden bolts, I'll answer lots of questions.
left both the AC and PS intact.

mine is a 5sp manual.

What did you do to your Ranger today? (Part Deux!) | Page 402 | The Ranger Station

 

[pjtoledo]

more pics


2.3L ('02-'11) - 2005/2002 duratec engine pics, hoses | The Ranger Station

 

[DaveH]

go in thru the wheel well. remove the small vac port manifold at the rear of the intake, 2 screws.
for a first timer, pull the intake to keep breaking things to a minumum.
pull the ECU plug, a couple harness hold down are on tranmission bolts.
I had easy access to lots of stuff from underneath, like the top bell housing bolts.

Awesome, thanks for your answer. I was thinking of taking the wheel off and the liner to get to the last bolt on that intake. I'm going to remove the hood also for increased access. Once the intake is removed I can see where the harness goes.

 

[DaveH]

did this last spring. actually got the engine out with the hood still attached.
did remove it for installiation.
there are tricks to get to the hidden bolts, I'll answer lots of questions.
left both the AC and PS intact.

mine is a 5sp manual.

What did you do to your Ranger today? (Part Deux!) | Page 402 | The Ranger Station

Not knowing anything about the Ranger I'm kind of feeling my way around it. I like the alternator setup, so much better than the swing to tighten the belt on some older vehicles. I also liked the separate reservoir for the power steering. I did unscrew the pump and remove it to see where those damn intake bolts are. First day went fairly well. Now the big question. Separate the engine or pull the trans with? This is an automatic.

 

[pjtoledo]

it's very crowded back there, you have to get creative with approach angles, and work by feel.
I disconnected the harness from the cats & transmission to pull it out intact with the engine.

 

[pjtoledo]

I would separate the engine & trans. I also left the AC condenser in, protected with plywood.

 

[DaveH]

I would separate the engine & trans. I also left the AC condenser in, protected with plywood.

This photo helps me a bunch! K was going to take all three off. LOL.

 

[DaveH]

it's very crowded back there, you have to get creative with approach angles, and work by feel.
I disconnected the harness from the cats & transmission to pull it out intact with the engine.

. So unplug this one and the one to the ECU and the harness on the engine comes with the motor. If I am picking up what your saying.

 

[pjtoledo]

thats most of it, the tranny harness is part of the engine harness, so are the cats.
if you're leaving the AC unplug that too.

did this last spring, my 69 year old brain is straining a bit tonight.

 

[DaveH]

thats most of it, the tranny harness is part of the engine harness, so are the cats.
if you're leaving the AC unplug that too.

did this last spring, my 69 year old brain is straining a bit tonight.

Hahahaha, I'm 69 too............... In June................. NO AC in this unit.