3.0 manufacturer date help.

[outlaw0127]

Bought used 2000 4x4 with a replaced 3.0 motor. Looked on valve cover for info. Unreadable. Plan white sticker. Is there another way to find manufacturer date? Need head gasket set and of course there are 2 sets to choose from. Any assistance is much appreciated.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS.

Here is a Good page to bookmark if you have a Ranger: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.shtml

Under Engines
There is a 3.0l Rebuild article explaining the differences over the years: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/3_0-build.shtml

You probably won't be able ID the year specifically without further disassembly and even then I doubt "a year" would be possible.
But with valve covers off you will be able to ID valve springs used so the Valve size.
7mm 7/27/99 and newer
8mm 7/27/99 and older

And then there will be casting numbers on the heads you will see when they are off.

Also you can see the block head bolt holes to ID 1999 and newer(longer) or 1998 and older(shorter) heads bolts to use.
You must use new head bolts, they are TTY and will usually break if reused


As long as you use Ranger 3.0l head gaskets and not Car 3.0l head gaskets any should work fine

 

[hoosier1104]

You need to look at your VIN (8th digit) to really tell. If you have a V, you have a flex fuel motor. If you have a U, it is non-flex fuel. Ford ran (2) 3.0L engines during this time frame apparently. I have a V which is flex fuel plus I have the flex fuel tag on the tailgate but it is just a decal so.................

 

[RonD]

You need to look at your VIN (8th digit) to really tell. If you have a V, you have a flex fuel motor. If you have a U, it is non-flex fuel. Ford ran (2) 3.0L engines during this time frame apparently. I have a V which is flex fuel plus I have the flex fuel tag on the tailgate but it is just a decal so.................

All true, but I think you missed his "....with a replaced 3.0 motor" statement

 

[JP02XLT]

The blocks 2004 & later had a X web on the drivers side between the 4 & 6 cylinders above the oil filter, otherwise the blocks are almost impossible to ID.

JP02XLT

 

[outlaw0127]

Thanks for the info RonD. Block is prior to 2004. Maybe if I just pull out the 3.0 and drop in a 5.0. Problem solved? Might be interesting.

 

[hoosier1104]

I did that. Had fun doing it and driving it. Do it right though and not on the cheap.

 

[outlaw0127]

For sure. Checking out the threads. Lots of excellent information.

 

[hoosier1104]

A little piece of advice/wisdom, get an Expo 5.0 motor with the oil filter on the front of the motor and use the Expo motor mounts. That way you do not need a oil filter relocation kits or the Mustang mounts. I speak from experience but no one tends to listen to so.................