How Did Your Heads Blow/Crack?

[dangeranger88]

This seems to be a common problem with these engines. POST YOUR STORY!


A week after I bought my ranger @ 74,000 miles I got the check engine light with the code that says engine running too cool. So I got a new thermostat to put in--and viola--there wasn't even one installed! The previous owner must have overheated it (it was obvious he was towing--hitch, electronic brake gizmo under dash) and took out the thermostat to cover up the problem. Good thing for warranty

 

[WNY964x4]

This seems to be a common problem with these engines. POST YOUR STORY!


A week after I bought my ranger @ 74,000 miles I got the check engine light with the code that says engine running too cool. So I got a new thermostat to put in--and viola--there wasn't even one installed! The previous owner must have overheated it (it was obvious he was towing--hitch, electronic brake gizmo under dash) and took out the thermostat to cover up the problem. Good thing for warranty

i had mine for a day and i got a code for missfire on cylinders 2 and five , well the truck had 146k on it , so i changed the plugs , wires , and coil , but could not get rid of the cylinder 5 miss , did a compression test , no bueno , so i had new heads put on , it turned out the guy had blown a head gasket and kept driving it , and the heads looked like shit when we got them off , on the side ofd the engine with the bad head , all of the exhaust valves were white

well i got new heads and she ran like a top for a while , till the CMP failed , then she got a new engine , but mine is a 2000 with 157k on her now

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

I don't personally know anyone with a 3.0 that has blown the heads. These engines are very strong and will run forever if taken care of.

Sounds like you guys got 3.0s that were totally neglected.

 

[WNY964x4]

yea, the previous didnt really take care of my truck , prolly cause he had to spen all his money on his harley , i know he had one because he left all the reciepts for it in the owners manual

 

[Ranger44]

Most of the 3.0 heads or head gaskets that fail are due to extreme neglect.

It's usually overheating that does it.


When properly taken care of (and serviced at the proper intervals) the 3.0 is a very stout and reliable engine.