Oil Filter Damage on 1989-1993 Ford Ranger 2.3L 4-Cylinder Engine Pickup Trucks

This bulletin provides information about potential engine damage occurring from loss of engine oil. Crash tests at Tech-Cor have shown that oil filter damage can occur during moderate or severe front end impacts. The damage is caused when the oil filter contacts the lower portion of the left engine mount, resulting in deformation to the base gasket sealing area.

The damage outlined in this bulletin affects the 1989-1993 Ford Ranger vehicles only when equipped with the 2.3L 4-cylinder engine, with either standard or automatic transmissions.

Photographs 1 and 2 show the damage sustained by the oil filter of a 1992 Ford Ranger XLT.

The damage was caused, during a 10 mph barrier crash test, when the engine moved sufficiently forward for the oil filter to contact the left engine mount and/or lower left engine mount bracket. The photographs illustrate the damage to the outer case and the deformation of the base plate and seal gasket. The damage represented in these photos was sufficient to cause a serious leak once the engine was started and oil pressure was attained. If similar damage were to go undetected severe engine damage could result DUE TO THE RAPID LOSS OF ENGINE OIL.

This area should be inspected immediately to insure that there is no damage to the oil filter or filter mount. If there is evidence of oil leakage, from either the casing or the base of the oil filter, effect the necessary repair before starting the engine.

The information provided in this bulletin is for educational purposes only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this bulletin, Tech-Cor assumes no responsibility or liability for any repairs performed using information from any publication issued by Tech-Cor.

Any person performing repairs must determine whether any suggested or recommended procedures or repairs are suitable or appropriate for the particular vehicle being repaired. The repairer remains solely responsible for such determination, as well as for the proper completion of the repairs.

Reproduction of this bulletin is not permitted without the written approval of Tech-Cor.