These motors are commonly referred to as either the Lima or simply the 2.0, 2.3 or 2.5 OHC (Over Head Cam) engines. They started life based on the German designed 2.0 EAO sport motors that were first introduced to this country in the Mercury Capri’s from the early 1970’s. They share nothing with the 2.3 – 2.5 liter HSC motors that were offered in the passenger car line from 1984 – 1991.
The 2.3 first debuted in the 1974 Pinto using a progressive 2bbl Weber/Holley carburetor and a points distributor. In 1975 they were upgraded to a Duraspark ignition system. They remained unchanged until about 1981 when the intake ports were changed from an oval to a ‘D’ shape (flat floor).
The 2.0/2.3 liter versions that were offered in Rangers starting in 1983 used a different head having four evenly spaced round holes of equal size. A 2.0 liter 1bbl carbureted version was offered in Rangers from 1983 – 1985, and in 1987 – 1988 with a 2bbl carburetor in some parts of the US, Canada and Mexico. Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) was added to the engines in 1985. In 1989 the 2.3 was changed to a DIS (Distributorless Ignition System) ignition utilizing a new 8-plug head ( 2-plugs per cylinder). This head had larger evenly spaced D-shaped intake ports and was used until the end of production of the 2.5 in 2001.
The 2.5 liter version was only offered from 1998 To 2001, when the engine was replaced by a 2.3 liter DOHC Duratec based engine. The 2.5 was a stroked (by 7 mm) version of the 2.3 OHC Ford Ranger engine. It also used higher-flow cylinder heads for better intake and combustion. It was replaced in 2001 by the Mazda-derived Duratec 23.
In 1979 – 1981 a high compression draw thru carbureted turbo version of the 2.3 was offered. In 1983 – 1988 a lower compression EFI turbo version was offered in T-birds, Cougars, Mustang SVOs and Merkur XR4Ti’s (through 1989).
- Some of the changes to the motor over the years were:
- Rear main seal changed from a two piece to a one piece design in 1986
- Roller cams were installed from 1989 on in Rangers and 1991 on in Mustangs
- Crankshaft main journal sizes were reduced starting in 1988
- CPS (Cam Position Sensor) was added starting in 1995 (1994 in California). At this time Ford changed to a 104-pin computer (it was a 60-pin) and moved the DIS functions into the computer, previously the DIS system had a TFI module as a separate unit mounted on the front of the intake manifold.
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2.0 / 2.3 / 2.5 Specifications |
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2.0L (1983 – 1988) |
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| Displacement | 122 CID |
| Type | Single Over Head Cam |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.52 x 3.13 inches |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel System | Carburetor |
| Fuel Pressure | 5 – 7 psi |
| Horsepower | 73hp @ 4000 RPM (1983 – 1986)
80hp @ 4200 RPM (1987 – 1988) |
| Torque | 107 @ 2400 RPM (1983 – 1986)
106 @ 2600 RPM (1987 – 1988) |
| Oil Pressure | 40 – 60 PSI @ 2000 RPM |
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Tune Up |
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| Spark Plug | AWSF-52C |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.044 inch |
| Ignition Timing | 6 degrees BTDC (1984 is 8 deg.) |
| Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Distributor Rotation | Clockwise |
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Capacities |
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| Oil Capacity With Filter Change | 5 quarts |
| Cooling System | 6.5 quarts |
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Torque Specifications |
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| Cylinder Head | Torque in 2 steps [1st (50 – 60 ft-lbs), 2nd (80 – 90 ft-lbs)] |
| Main Bearing Bolts | Torque in 2 steps [1st (50 – 60 ft-lbs), 2nd (80 – 90 ft-lbs)] |
| Rod Bearing Bolts | Torque in 2 steps [1st (25 – 30 ft-lbs), 2nd (30 – 36 ft-lbs)] |
| Crankshaft Pulley Bolts | 100 – 120 ft-lbs |
| Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts | 56 – 64 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold | Torque in 2 steps [1st (5 – 7 ft-lbs), 2nd (14 – 21 ft-lbs)] |
| Exhaust Manifold | Torque in 2 steps [1st (5 – 7 ft-lbs), 2nd (16 – 23 ft-lbs)] |
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2.3L (1983 – 1997) |
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| Displacement | 140 CID |
| Type | Single Over Head Cam |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.780 x 3.126 inches |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 (1983 – 1988)
9.2:1 (1990 – 1993) 9.4:1 (1994 – 1997) |
| Fuel System | Carburetor (1983 – 1984)
Multipot Fuel Injection (MFI) (1985 – 1997) |
| Fuel Pressure | 5 – 7 psi (1983 – 1984)
30 – 40 psi (1985 – 1997) |
| Horsepower | 79hp @ 3800 RPM (1983 – 1985) Manual
82hp @ 4200 RPM (1983 – 1985) Auto 90hp @ 4000 RPM (1986 – 1988) 100hp @ 4600 RPM (1989 – 1995) 112hp @ 4800 RPM (1996 – 1997) |
| Torque | 124 @ 2200 RPM (1983 – 1985) Manual
126 @ 2200 RPM (1983 – 1985) Auto 130 @ 1800 RPM (1986 – 1988) 133 @ 2600 RPM (1989 – 1995) 135 @ 2400 RPM (1996 – 1997) |
| Oil Pressure | 40 – 60 psi @ 2000 RPM |
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Tune Up |
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| Spark Plug | AWSF-44C (1984 – 1990)
AWSR-32PP (1993 – 1995) AWSR-32F (1996 – 1997) |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.044 |
| Ignition Timing | 10 degrees BTDC |
| Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Distributor Rotation | Clockwise |
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Capacities |
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| Oil Capacity With Filter Change | 5 Quarts |
| Cooling System (Quarts) | W/AC- 7.2 / W/O AC 6.5 |
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Torque Specifications |
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| Cylinder Head | Torque in 2 steps [1st (50 – 60 ft-lbs), 2nd (80 – 90 ft-lbs)] (1989 – 1995)
51 ft-lbs (1996 – 1997) |
| Main Bearing Bolts | Torque in 2 steps [1st (50 – 60 ft-lbs), 2nd (80 – 90 ft-lbs)] |
| Rod Bearing Bolts | Torque in 2 steps [1st (25 – 30 ft-lbs), 2nd (30 – 36 ft-lbs)] |
| Crankshaft Pulley Bolts | 100 – 120 ft-lbs |
| Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts | 56 – 64 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold | Torque in 2 steps [1st (5 – 7 ft-lbs), 2nd (14 – 21 ft-lbs)] |
| Exhaust Manifold | Torque in 2 steps [1st (5 – 7 ft-lbs), 2nd (16 – 23 ft-lbs)] |
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2.5L MFI (1998 – 2001) |
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| Displacement | 152 CID |
| Type | Single Over Head Cam |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.780 x 3.401 inches |
| Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel System | MFI (Multiport Fuel Injection) |
| Fuel Pressure | 56 – 72 psi |
| Horsepower | 117hp @ 4500 RPM (1998 – 1999)
119hp @ 5000 RPM (2000 – 2001) |
| Torque | 149ft-lbs @ 2500 RPM (1998 – 1999)
146ft-lbs. @ 3000 RPM (2000 – 2001) |
| Oil Pressure | 40 – 60 psi @ 2000 RPM |
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Tune Up |
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| Spark Plug | SP-432 |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.044 inch |
| Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
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Capacities |
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| Oil Capacity With Filter Change | 4.5 Quarts |
| Cooling System (Quarts) | W/AC- 7.2 / W/O AC 6.5 |
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Torque Specifications |
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| Cylinder Head | 51 ft-lbs |
| Main Bearing Bolts | 75 – 85 ft-lbs |
| Rod Bearing Bolts | 30 – 36 ft-lbs |
| Crankshaft Pulley Bolts | 103 – 133 ft-lbs |
| Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts | 56 – 64 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold | 19 – 28 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold | 14 – 21 ft-lbs |
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2.3L Duratec (2002-2011) |
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| Displacement | 140 CID |
| Type | Dual Over Head Cam |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.445 x 3.7010 inches |
| Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel System | Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection — Four Port-Mounted Fuel Injectors Electronically Triggered By EEC-V Module |
| Fuel Pressure | 60-65 psi |
| Horsepower | 135 @ 5050 (2002)
143 @ 5250 (2003-2011) |
| Torque | 153 @ 3750 (2002)
154 @ 3750 (2003-2011) |
| Oil Pressure | 55 psi @ 6000 rpm |
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Tune Up |
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| Spark Plug | SP-439 |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.044 inch |
| Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
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Capacities |
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| Oil Capacity With Filter Change | 4 Quarts |
| Cooling System (Quarts) | W/AC- 7.2 / W/O AC 6.5 |
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Torque Specifications |
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| Cylinder Head | Stage 1: 44 in-lbsStage 2: 132 in -lbs
Stage 3: 33 ft-lbs Stage 4: Rotate 90 degrees (1/4 turn) Stage 5: Angle tighten 90 degrees |
| Main Caps | 32 ft-lbs and then rotate 180 degrees |
| Connecting Rod Caps | 21 ft-lbs and then rotate 90 degrees |
| Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts | Stage 1: 37 ft-lbsStage 2: 59 ft-lbs
Stage 3: 83 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold | 156 in-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold | 40 ft-lbs |
2.0 / 2.3 / 2.5 Firing Orders:
2.0L and 1983-1988 2.3L Engines
Firing Order: 1-3-4-2 (Distributor Rotation: Clockwise)
1989–1997 2.3L, 2002-2003 2.3L Duratec and 1998-2001 2.5L Engines
Firing Order: 1–3–4–2 (Distributorless Ignition)
Differences between major engine parts are as follows:
Blocks:
The 2.0 is an underbored 2.3. With the exception of the bore, the blocks are identical to all 2.3’s
1975 – 1988 2.3’s are interchangeable
1989 – 1994 2.3’s are the same as the 1983 – 1988 2.3’s but have a smaller main journal saddle. The oil pan seal surface was changed in 1987 to eliminate the (4) piece seal and holes were added in the front to bolt on the DIS’s crank trigger assembly.
1995 – 2001’s are similar to the 1989 – 1995’s but a Cam Position Sensor was added behind the aux sprocket. The hole for the distributor was eliminated and the oil pump was moved in place of the aux. shaft itself.
Turbo blocks are identical to the 1983 – 1988 Ranger blocks but have an additional boss with a hole threaded in the passenger side about ½ way back that provides a place to drain the lubricating oil back into the engine from the turbo.
Cranks:
2.0 and early 2.3 cranks are identical.
Late 2.3 cranks have smaller main journals.
2.5 cranks are identical to 2.3’s except they have a longer stroke.
Rods:
2.0 and 2.3 (including turbo) rods are identical up through at least 1994. In fact they still have the original D4 (’74) casting number on them.
Pistons:
The 2.0 pistons are unique and don’t interchange.
The 2.3 pistons are all the same excluding the turbo versions which were forged. Low compression (8.0:1) in the 1983 – 1888’s and high compression (9.0:1) in the 1979 – 1981’s.
The 2.5 pistons are similar to the 2.3’s but have a different wrist pin height.
Heads:
All 2.0/2.3/2.5 heads will physically bolt in place of each other. They all have similar exhaust port shape and placement. All cams are interchangeable as long as they are used with the proper followers. Later model (1995 and newer) roller cam followers cannot be easily swapped onto an older head as the valve stem size was reduced in the newer heads and matching slot in the follower was reduced. Early 2.0 and 2.3 heads have the same small round intake ports spaced evenly apart. They differ from each other in their valve sizes though.
Head Variations:
There are several variations on the 2.3 heads though they break down into (4) distinct types:
1) Passenger car oval port heads – 1974 – 1980 Mustang, Pinto, Fairmont, Bobcat, etc.
2) Passenger car D-port head – 1981 – 1995? T-bird, Mustang, Etc.
3) Truck round port – 1983 – 1985 Ranger
4) Truck D-port – 1989 – 2001 Ranger. The 1989 – 1994’s and 1995 – 2001’s have different combustion chambers and ports. It is thought that the newer head is better designed.
Part Numbers:
The following parts and information are from the Federal Mogul website. The part numbers are theirs and are Sealed Power numbers. Those in parenthesis are: FP = Fel-Pro, FM = Federal Mogul
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Cylinder Head |
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| Part | Years Covered | Part Number |
| Head Bolts | 83-01 | ES72137 (FP) |
| Exhaust Valve (1.500” head, .3414” stem dia, 4.792” OAL) | 83-94 | V3943 |
| Exhaust Valve (1.500” head, .2740” stem dia, 4.8070” OAL) | 95-01 | V4553 |
| Intake Valve (1.735” head, .3419” stem dia, 4.787” OAL) | 83-94 | V2170 |
| Intake Valve (1.735” head, .2750” stem dia, 4.787” OAL) | 95-01 | V4488 |
| Valve Guide (.3440 ID, 2.1880” OAL-spiral reamed & flg) | 83-94 | VG1372 |
| Valve Guide (Threaded, .2765” ID, 1.9300” OAL) | 95-97 | VG1389T |
| Valve Spring (1.9800” free height w/ damper) | 83-94 | VS1459 |
| Valve Spring (2.0197” free height) | 95-01 | VS1647 |
| Valve Keeper/Lock | 83-94 | VK205 |
| Valve Keeper/Lock (Hard) | 83-94 | VK205R |
| Valve Keeper/Lock | 95-01 | VK287 |
| Valve Spring Insert [(shims) (A=.060” B=.030” C=.015”) | 83-94 | 259-102A or B or C |
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Engine |
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| Part | Years Covered | Part Number |
| Connecting Rods (Forging #D42E-AA) | 1974 – 1997 | R25BJ (FM) |
| Pistons – 2.3L (2-2.00mm/1-4.76mm rings, Comp Dist:1.578”. Pin Dia: .9122” 8.7:1 Comp Ratio, Flat Head- w/2 Valve Reliefs) |
1977 – 1991 | H435P |
| Pistons – 2.3L (2-1.5mm/1-4.00mm rings, Comp Dist: 1.575”, Pin Dia: .9122” Flat Head- w/2 Valve Reliefs) |
1983 – 1994 | H537P |
| Pistons – 2.3L (2-1.5mm/1-4.00mm rings, Comp Dist: 1.578”, Pin Dia: .9122” 8.7:1 Comp Ratio, Flat Head- w/2 Valve Reliefs) |
1982 – 1989 | 495P |
| Pistons – 2.3? (2-1.5mm/1-3.00mm rings, Comp Dist: 1.335”, Pin Dia: .9122” Flat Head- w/2 Valve Reliefs) |
1995 – 1997 | H676P |
| Oil Pump (4/8/85 and older) (Not For Use w/ Cast Aluminum Oil Pan) | 1980 – 1985 | 224-41160 |
| Oil Pump High Volume (Not For Use w/ Cast Aluminum Oil Pan) | 1980 – 1995 | 224-41160V |
| Oil Pump (4/9/85 and newer) | 1986 – 1994 | 224-41127 |
| Oil Pump Shaft | 1980 – 1994 | 224-61160 |
| Oil pump screen | 1977 – 1985 | 224-12160 |
| Oil pump screen | 1986 – 1994 | 224-13160 |