3.0 needs head

[stiluv]

hows it going guys. i need a little help. i have a 99 3.0 flex fuel that has a cracked head. i have searched the junk yards for a used one. there are a million sables out there that look clean with low milage. will a head out of a front wheel drive work and from what years? thanks for your time

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

The heads are interchangeable between Taurus and Ranger 3.0s, with the difference being in which direction the coolant flows. So obviously you'll need a different gasket and line up the head correctly on the Ranger.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

not so fast.

the flex fuel version of the 3.0 has slightly different combustion chambers than the none flex version. if you replace just one head, i could imagine itd cause a few problems (yes ANY 3.0 pushrod head will bolt to your block). i would try to find a flex fuel taurus (they are out there, and will have the same green leaf symbol as found on the tailgate of your truck), or at least rob BOTH heads from a non-flex engine.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

not so fast.

the flex fuel version of the 3.0 has slightly different combustion chambers than the none flex version. if you replace just one head, i could imagine itd cause a few problems (yes ANY 3.0 pushrod head will bolt to your block). i would try to find a flex fuel taurus (they are out there, and will have the same green leaf symbol as found on the tailgate of your truck), or at least rob BOTH heads from a non-flex engine.

Nice pick up there sludge. I didn't notice the flex fuel part of his post.

Yeah, he'll definitely want to pick up the flex fuel heads since they're probably designed around the different combustion chamber design.

 

[stiluv]

if i take two regular 3.0 heads of a non flex fuel 3.0 will my truck run different? or does it need the flex fuel heads?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the difference between the two chambers is small (just a few CC's), so i would think that the PCM would be able to compensate for the difference with mixture and timing changes...but i dont know for sure. if you try it, definitely let me know.

but your safest bet is to find flex fuel heads.

 

[MrE_Powers]

didn't the heads slightly change after 2000? they will bolt up and work. but if they did wouldn't you need both?

 

[fixizin]

stiluv... do you know how your head got cracked? Fellow '99 3.0L Flex owners want to know... ;')

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the only head change to the vulcan was due to the flex fuel version...which started in '96 for taurus-bound engines and '99 for ranger motors. these heads have a slightly smaller cumbustion chamber (by 2cc's).

fixizin, cracked heads are not uncommon on the 3.0. its highly unlikely to be a flex-fuel related failure.

 

[fixizin]

fixizin, cracked heads are not uncommon on the 3.0. its highly unlikely to be a flex-fuel related failure.

But, but... in the following thread I posted on this very topic, "the gang" said the heads are no problem-o...

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18919

Is there something about the t-stat or waterpump configuration that tends to let air pockets form in the heads' water jackets?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the heads arent a problem parse....but they do occasionally fail. this isnt like the 'ol 2.9.

i dont know of any particular t-stat or water pump problems...other than this engine being difficult to "burp" like any other small v-6.

 

[Earl43P]

Maybe this will help you.

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ar/eb90450.htm

 

[fixizin]

DAY-um! An experienced rebuilder says 25% of these engines will crack heads! Seems high, but if 90% of those occur over 200,000 miles, well... gotta keep it in perspective. Hell, 50% of good-looking wymins never get their oil changed UNTIL THE LIGHT COMES ON!

SO... do I start a 3.0L head-fund, or a 2.3L Turbo fund?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

plopping a set of freshened heads on the 3.0 would be a while lot faster and cheaper...but its up to you.

 

[hoytinak]

I've got a '00 flex fuel 3.0 that I had to replace both heads on at about 70,000 miles. I couldn't find any heads anywhere and finialy just took it to the dealer ($1400 total ) to get the work done and they told me they see quite a few heads cracked on the 3.0's in general.