3.0 Common issues?

[fitzwell]

Just bought a '91 Ranger 3.0. Thing has a miss & acts like low vac (no brake assist). Had 3 different people that know way more than me about the 3.0 tell me it's
the lower intake gasket. Figure while i have it apart, i might as well do the water pump & hoses. Anything else i should be on the lookout for while i have the thing torn apart??

 

[RonD]

Welcome to the forum

The water pump has 2 passages thru the timing chain cover, on the 3.0l they like to leak
Its a pain but you should pull off the timing chain cover and replace that gasket, and the crank main seal
Timing chain lasted on these, so doesn't need to be changed but not expensive

You should do a compression test before disassembly, burnt exhaust valves are common on ALL engines, and the source of low vacuum and misfires

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Wouldn't hurt to replace the plug wires and coil pack. Also not unusual for the cam shaft synchronizer to go bad. If so, replace only with the more expensive Motorcraft unit.

The aluminum timing case cover, like mine, may leak because of chemical erosion. This happens when old antifreeze coolant goes acidic (low ph).

3.0L engines can leak oil everywhere including valve cover gaskets and the oil pan gasket.