Need advice

[Louatlvc]

Just got a call from garage fixing my Ranger. I have a 1995 V-6 3.0 Vulcan. I was having heads replaced with remanufactured set (old ones were cracked) and mechanic found that my cam is bad. One of the camshaft bearings slipped out and was hanging on the cam. He thinks the short block may be cracked. The motor has some other issues (looks like it was overheated at some point) so he recommended a short block (since I already bought heads). According to my nearest dealership, Ford no longer sells short blocks. Should I go with a complete remanufactured engine? If so, can anybody recommend a decent brand? Any input would be greatly appreciated as I have to get back to the garage about what to do next. Lou

 

[ALegendNeverDies]

I would personally replace the entire engine or buy a new vehicle because You never know what could be around the corner. if you trust your mechanic, he has opened up your engine and seen the damage so he may have a better take on whether other components of the engine are severely damaged or not. I would hate if you paid $1000+ and find out the engine had to be replaced anyways. I would look at the smiles per gallon factor and calculate the average cost of the truck per month and calculate whether it would be worth it to get a new car or not. the repair could cost upwards of $3000-$5000 depending on where you go. I was quoted $3500 from Christian brothers automotive for my legend but it was a cheaper engine to get. And for reference I bought my 2000 ford ranger XLT for $3000 and it has WAY less problems than my legend did Good luck friend. (I am trying to guess the worst case scenario it may not be as bad as I make it seem or it may be worse but your mechanic could give you a more accurate number so it never hurts to see what they can find around and tell you the costs.)


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[Big Jim M]

Howdy Lou
We have no idea where you are located. That aside I always advise going with a NEARBY engine builder. Going with shipping, and having a problem with that engine can be a real problem.
Also it is your wallet! It is hard to give advise about how much to spend of some other guys money.
So go with someone that is close to home and keep it as cheap as possible. Remember the damn truck is a 95 and not worth much even if it does run. Some wrecking yards around here will install a used engine and give a year or so warranty.. That may be a way to go.
Big Jim

 

[Louatlvc]

Thanks for the quick replies and advice. You both bring up important points to consider. I bought the truck a few months ago for 3K and have another 1K into it so far. A new engine with labor will cost an additional 3K. I'm not sure having a 95 Ranger that cost me 7K is a very wise choice. On the other hand, walking away at this point is also a big loss. Very frustrating. But, makes a lot of sense to consider your points. Thanks.

 

[Jdallago]

Get one from a junk yard that's warranties engines it shouldn't be more then 500$

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[adsm08]

If cost is the biggest concern I agree with Jdallago. The failures you have had are all but unheard of on a 3.0 that hasn't been overheated, repeatedly.

A $500 engine from a junk yard would be where I would go if you are worried about how much you are putting in the truck. Some of those JY warranties are almost as good as the factory.

If the truck is in otherwise good condition, no rust, trans isn't giving you issues, etc, and you plan to keep it for a while a reman engine may be worth the investment.

 

[Louatlvc]

I just found a remanufactured engine from Remann for 1800. Has free shipping and 5 year no-fault warranty. I talked to the people there and they sounded very confident in their products. One of the reasons I bought the truck in the first place was because it's dent/rust free and in excellent condition. In fact, this caused me to overlook the engine tic that ended up being the cause of the failure. It hurts to lay out this cash but I really like the truck and knowing I have a new engine with a 5 year warranty makes it hurt a little less. Thanks for all the quick feedback. Lou

 

[hoosier1104]

If the truck is straight/rust free, the real question is do you want to shell out another $1800 for a motor that comes with a 5 yr warranty. Another thing is cost of ownership, so with a new you are in this truck for 7k so you would have to own it for another 10-15 yrs to get your money back out of it. Do you plan on keeping it that long?