Can we talk about the oil filter location on the 3.0?

[flyin-lowe]

I forgot to add the engine was "warm" but not hot enough to burn when I did mine. I can see where it would not be fun on a hot one....

 

[pjtoledo]

I bought my first Ranger for my son last week, 2004 with the 3.0. After reading this was worried about the first oil change. I let it run just long enough to pull it into my barn and then took out the drain plug. Let it drain for 10-15 minutes while I went to get a new drain plug washer. After watching a few YT videos I loosened the filter while standing by the front driver side tire. Moved the filter toward the front of the truck and there is enough room to lift it out. I did get under it and confirm mine has the build in funnel under the filter to keep it from making a mess on the starter. It sook a few seconds to get the new filter on the first time but not the worst thing I've ever had to do on a vehicle. (had a 65 barracuda that required the engine to be pulled to change the starter...) Hopefully this thing makes a good first vehicle for my 15 year old son. Overall it wasn't near as bad of a job as I was expecting.

since you're new here with a new-to-you Ranger equipped with the 3.0 engine I would recommend putting a few drops of oil
inside the camshaft synchronizer unit.
for the issues associated with the cam sync unit just do a search. a few drops of oil can go a long way to prevent issues.

don't be afraid to post pictures of the Ranger.

 

[flyin-lowe]

Illl have to read up on the camshaft synchronizer. Here is a thread I started that has some info on the truck…

1st Post, Looking to buy my 1st Ranger

Short story I have a son who is going to be driving in less than a year and wants a truck and not a car. I am going tomorrow to look at a 2004 Ranger Xl that the neighbor of a family member is looking to sell. I haven't seen it yet but my family member knows the owner and truck. No known...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Bgunner]

@flyin-lowe Just an FYI on cam Syncro's/Distributors (both prone to this same issue): when they start to go they start squeaking like a belt chirp. When they really get bad there is a metal on metal squeal, at this point stop driving it till the syncro/distributor is replaced as it will nuke the cam gear and then you're into an engine rebuild.

The issue with pre filling the oil filter is the angle it sits at on the engine. By the time you get it screwed on a lot of oil is spilt out and then prefilling doesn't really help.

 

[bigredrangero]

My worst complaint is about the fact that it's directly above the starter and almost impossible to avoid spilling on the starter. But mine is 4x4. That might give me a little easier time.

The newer starters have extra shielding on the wiring. Buy a lifetime starter and it's a minor issue. If you are a big guy then changing the starter is easier than the oil filter.