Re: 89 Capri 1950
Any comments on the 2.3L engine?
I've recently acquired a boat (not a Bayliner) that has the 2.3L Ford/OMC Cobra in it. I bought the whole thing for the price of a good used trailer.
The previous owner could not get the engine started, so I bought an unknown.
One thing I noticed working on it is the belts are easy to access. On the Chevy 2.5L's, I believe the front motor mount has to be removed to change a belt. (At least that's what I've been told)
On the 2.3L, the spark plug at #4 looks like it would hard to access because of the exhaust riser, but it's not bad using a swivel joint next to the plug socket wrench, and a long extension on a 3/8" drive rachet.
I have owned, in the past, several vehicles with the 2.3L. The Merkur used a 140 and a 175 HP turbocharged 2.3L. I never had one of those engines go bad, though another Merkur owner I knew, had a head gasket go out. That was mainly due to the turbocharger over-boosting.
I got my marine 2.3L running after installing new ignition points and condensor. It starts well and runs smooth. Compression is 155# on 3 cylinders and 150# on #1 cylinder. Oil pressure when cold is 60 psi and 55 psi when warmed up.
I wish they had published a HP spec on it. I think I read it's about 110 HP.
The 2.3L seems to be a durable little engine. It was originally designed in Europe and used in the Formula Ford racing there. In a sports sedan, it runs quite well at 7,000 RPM.
Attached are photos of the 2.3L powered Merkurs, and the 2.3L marine engine.
