I have a few questions about the 3.0L

[XLTbeater]

I bought a 1992 Ford Ranger with a 3.0L V6 back in June. I have had a few small problems with the truck since I got it. 1) The temperature guage doesn't work which in turn trips the check engine light (I think). Where do I find the temp sensor port on the engine? I think it is next to the T-Stat housing, but I am not sure. 2) I go to scan the computer for other problems, but my OBD I Actron scanner won't fit into the port under the dash. Is this the place to plug into the computer? Or is the Chiltons manual wrong? 3) I can't seem to find too many aftermarket parts for the old (my engine) 3.0L V6s. I would really like to get some headers to replace those "logs" with holes in them of an exhaust manifold. Do I have to make up a set of headers, or did I miss something searching for a pair?

Thanks in advance for any help with these problems.


XLTbeater

 

[Ranger44]

JBA makes headers for the 3.0.
Underdog underdrive pullies.
There isn't to much for the 3.0....
As for the 3.0 engine wise, it is a very good strong engine, easy to work on, and very reliable. It also likes high rpm's and is a high rev engine by design. Peak tourqe is at 3,000 and it's hp is above that. Rev it up when you want to go. As for the temp sensor: driver side of the thermostat housing, mounted in the intake manifold.

 

[XLTbeater]

Thanx for the input. I was seriously going to get famliar with building headers. I just want to see a gain in MPG.


XLTbeater

 

[Mutant Pony]

The biggest problem with a 3.0 lies in the intake manifold. Headers don't do much because the stock exhaust can flow everything the intake can supply. There are bigger cams available as well but, until someone comes out with a better intake, non of those parts will do much.
You could spend $2000 on all the aftermarket parts available and gain about 10-15h.p.
OR
You could just learn how to run it at a higher Rpm than your used to and enjoy it.
If you're getting bad mileage that probably has to do with the check engine light.
Also if you are lugging the engine a lot you will get bad mileage. Get those r's up.

 

[XLTbeater]

My Ranger runs smoothly and gets pretty good gas mileage. I haven't calculated it yet, but I know that it is a little better than my mom's stock Crown Vic; and that gets crazy good gas mileage for a V8. In my experience, headers have always proved to increase the MPGs of all the vehicles that I have installed them on. I will also hook up a tach one day as well, to see where I am at with revs in the Ranger. I have been going by the sound and feel of the engine when driving the truck.


XLTbeater

 

[ZMan]

An upgrade to the intake is putting a '98+ intake on, and port it out. You'll need the throttle body, IAC, throttle cable, and vacuum lines along with it.

An underdrive is a decent upgrade for the 3.0l also, and you can get a full set of pullies if you're worried about your alternator or water pump.

http://www.stuffforyourranger.com/

 

[AllanD]

The temp GUAGE sensor has NOTHING to do with the computer.

The computer has it's own temp sensor located near the guage sensor.

The Guage sensor has a single stud with a slip on connection.

The computer's Engine Coolant Temp (ECT) sensor has a weatherpack
connector (with two pins)

AD

 

[XLTbeater]

The temp GUAGE sensor has NOTHING to do with the computer.

The computer has it's own temp sensor located near the guage sensor.

The Guage sensor has a single stud with a slip on connection.

The computer's Engine Coolant Temp (ECT) sensor has a weatherpack
connector (with two pins)

AD

I guess it's the guage sensor because I get nothing from the temp guage itself. It just doesn't work. After about 15-20 minutes of driving the check engine light comes on. Since my Actron (the one for EEC IV computers) diagnostic tool doesn't fit into the computer port under the dash, which is where I assume you connect to the computer, I can't get any codes to see where and what my problem is. I'll probably have to bring it down to an auto mechanic to get the codes read and then fix the problem myself. Thanks for the help guys.


XLTbeater

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

your diagnostics port should be under the hood, near the "power distribution box". not under the dash.

 

[XLTbeater]

Kewl!!! I'll take another look by the power distr. box and see if I can find the connection. Too bad my Chiltons doesn't say where it is.


XLTbeater