I have been given a free, but non-working car.UPDATE: Oh gosh, that escalated

"StoneCold" (StoneCold)
03/04/2016 at 21:20 • Filed to: None

Update: So “engine is bad” is actually “engine is destroyed”. This is the piece of metal formally known as Prince Piston #1. Fun. Time to find a new short block. Or long block, depending on how the head is.

On a scale of 1-10, how difficult is the hybrid system of a 2005 (first-gen) Ford Escape? The only information I’ve been given is that the “engine is bad”.

I’m not afraid of engines; I’ve done swaps on my ‘02 Jeep and I’ve built more than a few Windsors. But the hybrid stuff and the Atkinson cycle is what causes me trepidation. Is the Atkinson cycle that different or unique that I would be lost diving into it?

Anyone have experience with the 2.3 L Duratec (Mazda L) Atkinson engine?

DISCUSSION (33)

HammerheadFistpunch > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 13:03

These are really popular with taxi services who seem to have no problem keeping them on the road. I guess it depends on whats wrong with the engine, I suspect a direct swap woulnd’t be any harder than normal keeping im mind the dangers of working around the high voltage system.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 13:05

*chants*

LS LS LS LS LS LS LS LS

HammerheadFistpunch > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 13:07

FYI - its a modified Atkinson cycle which just means late exhaust valve closure, so aside from some computer timing its a regular otto cycle engine, nothing to fear here.

StoneCold > HammerheadFistpunch
03/04/2016 at 13:08

Wow, that’s a huge relief. It’s a huge vote of confidence if it’s used as a taxi. And indeed, the electrical system is what I’m cautious of concerning the hybrid system. Thanks!

bryan40oop > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 13:14

I know the engine is different than the non hybrid 2.3. Different cam or something like that.

Parts guy ordered one for his own escape. Installed engine, ran terrible. Come to find out he ordered a hybrid 2.3. This was his own vehicle. Tech was non to happy.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 13:14

The Atkinson cycle engines of today aren’t really true Atkinson engines—they’re Otto engines converted to the essence of the Atkinson cycle via cam timing that holds the intake open through part of the compression stroke and a bit of electronic witchcraft. The only thing that would be more complex than a normal engine is where it interfaces with the electric motor—the engine itself is not anything to worry about.

That said, LS swap.

StoneCold > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S.
03/04/2016 at 13:15

At first I was like “GRARARARAR, Ford engines!” since I have two 302s on stands just kinda sitting there, but I thought of what any smallblock V8 would do to the CVT trans, if it could possibly bolt somehow. Has there ever been a V8 —> CVT?

bryan40oop > HammerheadFistpunch
03/04/2016 at 13:17

Different cam profile as well.

HammerheadFistpunch > bryan40oop
03/04/2016 at 13:18

I wasn’t sure on that, it could just be cam timing and the cam could have the same lift and duration...but you are probably right.

StoneCold > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
03/04/2016 at 13:18

“That said, LS swap.”

But...but... I have a pair of 302s without homes. A small block can get along with a CVT, right?

Needmoargarage > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 13:19

That will only work if you use both 302s of course.

bryan40oop > HammerheadFistpunch
03/04/2016 at 13:20

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/i-know-the-eng…

I just know hybrid 2.3 won’t work in a non hybrid.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 13:20

Pair of 302's? put them both in. That way you get to keep the AWD :):):)

StoneCold > Needmoargarage
03/04/2016 at 13:21

How else will I get four wheel drive? I’ll need them for the snow.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 13:21

And screw the CVT. Pick up a trans from a wreaker and go to town.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Needmoargarage
03/04/2016 at 13:21

Great minds etc.

Future next gen S2000 owner > HammerheadFistpunch
03/04/2016 at 13:21

Is it late exhaust or late intake? I thought the intake valve was held open a bit longer. That way you force a still combustible charge back into the intake tract, to be combusted/ignited on the next cycle. Because the essence of an Atkinson is to get the pressure at BDC to be closer to atmospheric. Or am I missing something?

StoneCold > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
03/04/2016 at 13:22

Exactly. It’s the midwest! The snow!

Plus, it’d help weight distribution, for cornering!

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 13:23

Why are you still here? GET OUT AND DOOOOOOOO IIIIIIIITTT

HammerheadFistpunch > bryan40oop
03/04/2016 at 13:23

I think its because it wouldn’t really work without its symbiotic relationship with its hybrid components. Not sure if the engine is physically different but a hybrid engine would run just as crappy if you removed all the hybrid stuff from the hybrid escape is my guess. The computer needs to work in concert with the hybrid powertrain to work well.

HammerheadFistpunch > Future next gen S2000 owner
03/04/2016 at 13:23

Correct, late intake...my bad.

StoneCold > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer
03/04/2016 at 13:24

My choices on hand are either a pair of FMXs or a four speed Borg-Warner T-10. I think I’m going to need a bigger fuel cell.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Future next gen S2000 owner
03/04/2016 at 13:24

I’d think late intake closure.

Future next gen S2000 owner > HammerheadFistpunch
03/04/2016 at 13:30

-57.9324 Internet points for you.

HammerheadFistpunch > Future next gen S2000 owner
03/04/2016 at 13:34

Im already running in debt, whats a few more!

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 13:56

StoneCold > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
03/04/2016 at 13:59

Oh jeez, that’s 1 higher than 10. I’m going to have to buy more tools; it’s the only way.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 14:05

Actually I misread. I thought we were rating the fact that it was a free car, which is obviously always better than best. If it’s just the engine, it shouldnt’ be too bad. Those 2.3s are really well documented since they put them in just about everything.

JustAnotherG6 > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 14:14

Not that I am aware of but there are some snowmobiles out there that are pushing 700+ hp. Some sort of CVT should work.

Brickman > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 21:26

That engine sure was hungry :)

Birddog > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 21:49

Nothing in life is “free”. I’m guessing you know that already though.

jkm7680 > StoneCold
03/04/2016 at 21:49

Those are hard to kill.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > StoneCold
03/05/2016 at 08:37

How hard would it be to buy a working drivetrain out of a non-hybrid Escape or Tribute, rip out the hybrid stuff and drop it in to just turn it into a “normal” SUV...? I imagine a lot easier...?