Ford 3.0 liter DOHC engine

[97RangerXLT]

^^^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.

Stray, I don't know if a 4.0 swap can be done in a Taurus, I do have the 4.0 in my 97, and it is a great engine.

AJ

 

[97RangerXLT]

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.

cool, Thanks for the reply back, I was hoping to get your input in here as a Ford tech that has seen them in the shop for various reasons. I feel better about getting a taurus with one of these engines.

Now to find one that I want...

AJ