What to do?

[nomadbill]

Hello all,

I've recently returned to a transit - 03 plate 280 SWB RWD 2.3 DOHC petrol/lpg. Looks like the head gasket has gone after owning it for 12 days and covering 150 miles. So I find myself here in the hope of doing some research as to what's best to do with it. A; sell it on as spares/repair at probably quite a big loss, B; do head gasket, sell it on and hopefully not lose as much money, or C; keep it and pop a new engine in with more horses. Been a long time since I've messed around with mechanical stuff and wouldn't really now where to start......

[nomadbill]

Hello guys,

Does anybody know if the 2.3 DOHC petrol engine from a Ford Galaxy is the same as the 2.3 DOHC petrol fitted in a MK6 Tranny? Or can you direct me to somewhere that I could find out that information please?

[v8dave]

According to ETIS the engine code for your mk6 should be E5FA while the code for the same year Galaxy should be E5SA. I'd say they are not identical but they might be close enough, I'd want to get the two side by side and look for the differences.

[mjsroofing]

The differences could be as little as bolt holes in different place for engine mounts which you can drill and tap new ones or even just different aux parts, injection system etc but as above I would want to see them side by side.

[nomadbill]

Thanks guys,

How did you find out what the engine codes are? Maybe from comparing technical spec/drawings I could work out whether it's wort taking a punt and buying the Galaxy engine?

[v8dave]

How did you find out what the engine codes are?

You can either go to http://www.etis.ford.com/ and pay for access to the vehicle manuals

Or use this online resource http://workshop-manuals.com/ford/ and go to section 100-01 of a manual which tells you how to decode the chassis and engine plates.

[nomadbill]

How did you find out what the engine codes are?

You can either go to http://www.etis.ford.com/ and pay for access to the vehicle manuals

Or use this online resource http://workshop-manuals.com/ford/ and go to section 100-01 of a manual which tells you how to decode the chassis and engine plates.

Thanks V8Dave,

I've had a look at both sites - struggled to find all the info really. Looks like my engine code is either E5FA (petrol) or E5FC (alternative fuel) as it's the petrol/LPG version stright out the factory. Couldn't find engine codes listed on the Galaxy one. Spoke to a transit breaker earlier who says he's only seen two petrol ones in over two years of breaking a van per day! He thought the galaxy lump will fit although wasn't sure whether it's the manual or auto version which fits best. He said to find one with a block number as close as poss to mine?? Thought block numbers were like serial numbers? Am I mis-understanding something? Spoke to Ford dealer and they weren't sure either, however he did say which gearboxes fit up to the galaxy engine so if the bolt holes on the AG4 auto box or the VXT75 manual box are the same as on the MT75, then bingo, we could have a solution. The rocker cover and the dipstick are different as the galaxy is set up for FWD and my tranny is RWD. However these parts are easily swapped from one engine to the other. I'm sure someone said sump different too but again, that can't be too difficult to change.

What would be really helpful is technical drawings of bare engines & gearboxes to compare dimensions & bolt holes etc. Don't suppose you know where I might find that info please?

[angeleye]

why dont you just do head gasket if its gone,lot less hassle and expense

[nomadbill]

why dont you just do head gasket if its gone,lot less hassle and expense

Beginning to think that might be the way to go. Engine sounded endy too though. And untill it's apart, I'll not know whether it is just head gasket or something more sinister - either way that engine has got to come out.... been a long time since I've attempted anything like this. Would be great though if I can fix it without spending fortunes.

[jrals1976]

I am in Australia and parts for the 2.3 are pretty rare. I have just removed the engine and will be giving it a freshen up. Rings, bearings and gaskets and seals. Happy to share info as i go.

[Altransit]

I am in Australia and parts for the 2.3 are pretty rare. I have just removed the engine and will be giving it a freshen up. Rings, bearings and gaskets and seals. Happy to share info as i go.

Thread is 10 years old, so I suspect that it's either done and dusted or scrapped by now.

Either way, welcome to the forum