CEL back on, cylinder #1 misfire

[RumpRanger98]

Update

So the RH valve cover is off and inside is blackened. looks like someone before me overheated the engine and did new head gaskets and sold it. Right now im tryin to determine what to do.

have valve job done
get used heads, or remanufactured heads
but what im really thinking is, if this engine was overheated and the motor is blackened when it should be golden from oil. if im better off just putting a used engine in?

what do you guys think? I plan on keeping the truck a long time, and Id hate to do a valve job on an abused motor. and find something wrong down the road.

 

[fastpakr]

I say this a lot, but if there's any reason to consider the longblock suspect, just replace the whole thing. RBV engines are all but disposable if you've got a decent junkyard nearby. 3.0's are basically stone reliable anyway, so most 3.0 trucks in the yards are there for other reasons (wrecks, etc). Your chances of finding a good one are pretty decent. After you make the swap you can open the old one up for a closer look on your own time.

 

[TomB1269]

If your mileage is up there, and you have the funds, time, and means. You plan on keeping it for awhile.......Why Not???? A good tear down and rebuild is always fun. Just look at it as a good time for some mods, bore, 1.7 rockers, underdrive pullies.......

 

[fastpakr]

I agree with what Tom says, but would suggest it as something to consider after you've swapped in a spare motor. If this is your daily driver, get it back up and running with a spare for a lot less money than a rebuild. Once it's up and running, you've got all the time in the world to tinker with the original and decide how you want to set it up.

 

[RumpRanger98]

what should I be looking to spend. and what motors can go into my ranger?

its 99 3.0 4x4 ext cab flex fuel if any of that matters. I was looking online somewhere and it listed a pre 7/99 and a post 7/99 engine ??

Id like to mod it up but for right now, I just want the motor legit and running perfect. From there I will most likely mod it but its not near the top of the list at the moment.

Im thinking this would be a good time for new clutch kit and flywheel resurfacing?

btw current motor has 172k on it.

 

[fastpakr]

Cost wise you'll just have to call around and see what's available as well as whether they provide any warranty coverage, etc...

It's a good time to swap the clutch if it's close to needing replacement. I've pulled the trans on my Exploder twice without changing the clutch, but only because it looked ok when everything was apart. It's good insurance to do it now, but whether you want to gamble with waiting is completely personal preference.

 

[TomB1269]

I guess where I was going is that if the current motor is running and you have $$ and time you can get a used block and rebuild. That will increase your prospects as just about an 3.0 will due (other than new 24v). You could pickup an old FWD 3.0 swap the head gasket during build, do the internal mods that are known to work, than reuse current intake and accessories when you do the install. And save the labor and fluids of 2 engine changes?????????

 

[fastpakr]

I'm with you now. Initially thought you meant to pull the existing motor and rebuild, rather than a spare block. Your option is a good one too.

 

[RumpRanger98]

being a baller on a budget and my maxima is my daily driver, im just gonna use it as is... I only need the truck for dump runs and picking shit up from home depot. And for the most part it runs fine, reliable enough for what im doing. If I hurt the engine using it as a work truck here and there then oh well. When I get money Im going to throw a used motor in it. And I told myself I wasn't going to, but I cant stop thinking about doing engine mods. I want the pulleys, rogue rockers, i want to re gear, headers, probably in that order. But until I can save more cash flow, im just going have to let it ride. I bought a code reader so I can just clear the damn code when it pops up. reader also has live data so that will be fun to check out.