always had the 2.3 or 2.5 with 98 being the newest of them all. They had timing belts. Found a 2010 with 2.3 4 cyl, guy says their chain and not belts anymore? This true? Also with 155000 on the truck, what are things to look for with these years and engines?

thanks in advance

 

The newer 2.3's (duratecs) are a completely different engine from the older 2.3/2.5 (limas). The duratecs have a dual overhead cam with a timing chain not a belt. If oil is changed regularly the chain should last for the life of the motor. The water pump is also external and can be replaced easily. They are extremely reliable engines. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one with 155k if it was well maintained. There's no real issues specific to this motor besides checking the basics you would look for when buying any new car. Check the fluids, maintenance records, look for leaks etc etc etc. There is a really hard to reach coolant fitting on the back of the block that requires pulling the transmission if it ever leaks but they aren't really known for failure, just a pain IF it does fail.

 

excellent info exactly the type of stuff I'm looking for. where's this coolant fitting, i'll bring a mirror and try to see if I can get a look at it. only things that worry me about the truck is the guy had it since 7000 miles, never replaced the clutch, or the fuel pump. so 155000 on a stock fuel pump and clutch. guess it's a matter of how it was driven and taken care of but, that's getting up there for time to change those parts i'd guess. he's also an amsoil dealer and put some bypass filtration on the oil system when he got the truck....so that makes me wonder what exactly is goin on there.