Saturday

2.3L Coolant Sending Unit or Coolant Sensor

Before going to the trouble of removing the coolant sender from the 2.3L Ford engine block and testing it, perform the tests presented to ensure that it is the sender malfunctioning, and not another part of the circuit.  Unit is on Left side rear of engine, under cylinder head, near oil filter (see the diagrams).

Steps:
  1. Verify that engine to body grounding strap is good and not corroded.  Bad or missing strap will cause high temp readings.
  2. Check wiring to sensor for damage and corrosion.
  3. Verify full coolant level.
  4. Check sensor: 73 ohms cold, 10 ohms hot. (+/- 2 ohms)

How to removal and install.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the radiator cap to relieve any system pressure.
3. Disconnect the wiring at the coolant sender.
4. Remove the coolant temperature sender from the engine.
5. Coat the threads on the sender with Teflon® tape or electrically conductive sealer, then install the sender. 6. Tighten the sender to 107-143 inch lbs. (12-16 Nm) NOT ft/lbs.
7. Attach the wiring to the coolant sending unit and connect the negative battery cable.
8. If necessary, add antifreeze to replace any lost coolant, then install the radiator cap.

Sensor Pics (could be either)
2.3 L coolant sensor 
2.3L coolant sending unit










You can also check the unit in a pan of water, if removed from the truck.

Friday

Ford 2.3L engine Notes

2.3L I4 SOHC 8V FI Engine

Check the "years covered" on the parts before buying.

Cylinder Head
PartYears CoveredPart Number
Head Bolts83-01ES72137 (FP)
Exhaust Valve (1.500” head, .3414” stem dia, 4.792” OAL)83-94V3943
Exhaust Valve (1.500” head, .2740” stem dia, 4.8070” OAL)95-01V4553
Intake Valve (1.735” head, .3419” stem dia, 4.787” OAL)83-94V2170
Intake Valve (1.735” head, .2750” stem dia, 4.787” OAL)95-01V4488
Valve Guide (.3440 ID, 2.1880” OAL-spiral reamed & flg)83-94VG1372
Valve Guide (Threaded, .2765” ID, 1.9300” OAL)95-97VG1389T
Valve Spring (1.9800” free height w/ damper)83-94VS1459
Valve Spring (2.0197” free height)95-01VS1647
Valve Keeper/Lock83-94VK205
Valve Keeper/Lock (Hard)83-94VK205R
Valve Keeper/Lock95-01VK287
Valve Spring Insert [(shims) (A=.060” B=.030” C=.015”)83-94259-102A or B or C
Engine
PartYears CoveredPart Number
Connecting Rods (Forging #D42E-AA)1974 - 1997R25BJ (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 - 1991H435P
Pistons - 2.3L (2-1.5mm/1-4.00mm rings, Comp Dist: 1.575”, Pin Dia: .9122”
Flat Head- w/2 Valve Reliefs)
1983 - 1994H537P
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 - 1989495P
Pistons - 2.3? (2-1.5mm/1-3.00mm rings, Comp Dist: 1.335”, Pin Dia: .9122”
Flat Head- w/2 Valve Reliefs)
1995 - 1997H676P
Oil Pump (4/8/85 and older) (Not For Use w/ Cast Aluminum Oil Pan)1980 - 1985224-41160
Oil Pump High Volume (Not For Use w/ Cast Aluminum Oil Pan)1980 - 1995224-41160V
Oil Pump (4/9/85 and newer)1986 - 1994224-41127
Oil Pump Shaft1980 - 1994224-61160
Oil pump screen1977 - 1985224-12160
Oil pump screen1986 - 1994224-13160