Ford Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Apart from a few changes, the 2.3L Duratec-HE (MI4) engine is largely based on the 2.0L Duratec-HE engine already used in the S-MAX/Galaxy 2006.5 (03/2006-).

Key features of the engine include:

• Direct ignition coils
• Electronic throttle valve
• Mechanical thermostat
• variable Manifold Runner Control
• Dual-mass flywheel
• High-performance oil pump

Differences from the 2.0L Duratec-HE (MI4) engine variant fitted to the S-MAX/Galaxy 2006.5 (03/2006-) MI4) are:

• Variable camshaft timing (VCT)
• Integral dipstick
• Balance shafts

Variable camshaft timing (VCT)

This system is an electronically controlled camshaft adjuster that allows variable timing for the inlet camshaft.

The valves are driven by a timing chain which drives the inlet camshaft timing control unit. This unit drives the associated camshafts. The timing chain is tensioned using a conventional timing chain tensioner.

The inlet camshaft is fitted with a sensor ring for the active camshaft position (CMP) sensor.

This CMP sensor is mounted inside the valve cover.

Timing chain replacement does not require the variable camshaft timing control unit to be disconnected.

To ensure trouble-free operation of the variable camshaft timing system and optimum engine performance, it is essential to adhere precisely to the valve timing adjustment procedure.

A special tool is needed to fix the camshafts in the adjustment position.

Remember that this special tool must not be used to keep the camshaft from rotating when mounting the camshaft sprocket. They may only be kept from rotating by using the hexagon, which has been specially provided for this purpose.

Advantages of variable camshaft timing (VCT)

• Lower fuel consumption due to improved volumetric efficiency
• Enhanced engine power and torque
• Improved idling characteristics

The 2.3L Duratec-HE has a modular balancer shaft unit with two balancer shafts. The balancer shaft unit is incorporated in the oil pan and mounted beneath the cylinder block.

The balancer shafts are driven by the crankshaft via sprockets and rotate at twice the crankshaft speed.

The balancer shaft unit must not be removed and stripped down in Service.

Advantages of the balancer shaft unit:

• Reduces the 2nd order forces of inertia
• The modular design minimises impact on engine construction