Ford 3.0 liter DOHC engine

[97RangerXLT]

Discuss..

is this a good engine?
what kind of issues would I be looking at?

Thanks!

AJ

 

[adsm08]

The issues you are looking at will vary greatly depending on the years you are looking at. Early build engines are pretty good. Worst common issue I've seen the the oil pan gaskets leak on ALL of them.

Once you get into the late builds with the cam phasers they start having some other issues. The 09-11 have problems with the front cam cap wearing and possibly damaging the head.


In fact I just saw my first blown up 3.0 DOHC ever a few weeks ago.

 

[03ranger30]

No problems with mine so far...except for the fact that you have to be a contortionist to get the oil filter on and off

 

[adsm08]

No problems with mine so far...except for the fact that you have to be a contortionist to get the oil filter on and off

Not really. It's right there in the open on the front of the engine.

For the record, your truck doesn't have the DOHC.

 

[triumphrider-1]

No problems with mine so far...except for the fact that you have to be a contortionist to get the oil filter on and off

The stock Ranger motor is the Vulcan 3.0L

 

[straycat]

The issues you are looking at will vary greatly depending on the years you are looking at. Early build engines are pretty good. Worst common issue I've seen the the oil pan gaskets leak on ALL of them.

Once you get into the late builds with the cam phasers they start having some other issues. The 09-11 have problems with the front cam cap wearing and possibly damaging the head.


In fact I just saw my first blown up 3.0 DOHC ever a few weeks ago.

^^^what he said. He works at a Ford dealership as a tech. I have two buddies that work at a local Ford dealership and they told me the same thing...3.0 motors are notorious for pan gasket leaks, cam issues and a few other things you don't want to deal with. Swap to a 4.0. I have never had any issues NEVER with my 4.0. I bought my 99 Ranger new July 99. I love this motor. Great pulling power and it wants to run and run and run. Great gas milage as well with the 33's on it and the roof rack.

 

[Twister]

Not really. It's right there in the open on the front of the engine.

For the record, your truck doesn't have the DOHC.

That thing is a PITA to remove without getting oil everywhere. Got a question for you though, the oil filer on our always leaks and i cant find out why. What would cause that?

 

[03ranger30]

The stock Ranger motor is the Vulcan 3.0L

Yes I know that.

And you have to like twist your wrist between the starter and they funnel they put on just to get if off and put it back on.

 

[triumphrider-1]

For myself, I find it easier to remove/install from the top of the motor. I tried it once from the bottom...that was enough (I think a contortionist has an easier job...).

 

[adsm08]

That thing is a PITA to remove without getting oil everywhere. Got a question for you though, the oil filer on our always leaks and i cant find out why. What would cause that?

Not cleaning it off well enough. There is a lip at the bottom of the block. Oil sits on top of it and makes it look like the filter is leaking.

 

[03ranger30]

I never tried it from the top of the engine...my arms aren't long enough to reach and I don't wanna have to lay on top of the engine to get to it.

 

[adsm08]

You know, if you cut the wheels all the way to the right and reach past the wheel through the splash shield, it's really easy.

 

[03ranger30]

Damn I never thought of doing it that way....although I put my truck on ramps so I can lay under it

 

[Twister]

Not cleaning it off well enough. There is a lip at the bottom of the block. Oil sits on top of it and makes it look like the filter is leaking.

Hmm, well i changed the oil the other day, and it doesn't seem to be leaking this time. I guess i will make sure i clean it off thoroughly from now on.

Damn I never thought of doing it that way....although I put my truck on ramps so I can lay under it

That's what i do.


Sry for thread jack lol

 

[adsm08]

^^^what he said. He works at a Ford dealership as a tech. I have two buddies that work at a local Ford dealership and they told me the same thing...3.0 motors are notorious for pan gasket leaks, cam issues and a few other things you don't want to deal with.

I haven't seen any major cam issues with the pre-VCT engines.

I like them, nice pep when you put a 6-speed behind it.