I had issues with my 3.0 I had blown head gasket but I fixed it I shaved the head with a belt sander I cleaned all the freaking acid and freaking wire brush got the coolant problem fixed it causes the head gasket to blow at Port and Paul said damn thing and it went like a raped ape 100 for the upper end gasket kit
@@DeathStrikeVirus hey, I'm looking into buying a Ranger, my options are: a 3L V6, MT, 89k kms vs 3L V6, AT, 169k kms or a 4L V6, AT, 123k kms... I'm leaning towards the 3L MT because I've read it's the most reliable of all of them, but I'm only learning about trucks (I'm a woman), other than keeping an eye for that cam sync issue, would you think the 3L V6, MT would be the best option regardless of how they say it's a gutless engine? I plan on using it as a daily. hope you can help
@@darktoast808 I'm partial to manual anyway, but that 3L V6 MT with only 89k kms is practically new. Mine isn't gutless, but it's the flex fuel and they have bigger injectors. The 3.0 likes higher RPMs so drive it like that and you'll be fine.
I bought a 2nd generation sable from neglectful owners. The headgasket was bad because of the constant overheating they did because they didnt take care of coolent system (filled it with hose water 🤦) but it was fine for a moment because it was only a small exhaust leak into my coolent system. But today I just checked my oil, and guess what...it was milky 😢....time for a headgasket and head change
The lease reliable engine that was in the Ranger during this time? Really ? The 3L was the most reliable V6 engine that was in those trucks. The 4.0 overhead valve was really bad for cracking heads. the 4 L single overhead. cam was really bad for breaking time chain gides.. You’re right about the 3 L having to cam sync issues,and somebody’s been a tech for 20 years. I probably changed well over 100 of those. All of the 3 L will have the Cam sync issue. As a tech for over 20 years I’ve changed well over 100 of those, while I’m sure people who have ignored the signs have blown motor for it. I have personally never seen it. Every cam sync that fails generally gives a pretty good warning. It sounds like an overly loud belt chirp and as long as you change it when they start making noise never an major issue. Generally it will get one maybe two swaps in their life as its generally an over 150,000 mile failure most of the time.Every engine has its issues and to blame a motor that was 24 years old that you have no history of for breaking a valve spring means the entire line off engines is trash is a little the hyperbolic if you asked me. PS the 3.0 with the bad heads was from 86 to 89 and never in a ranger
hey, I'm looking into buying a Ranger, my options are: a 3L V6, MT, 89k kms vs 3L V6, AT, 169k kms or a 4L V6, AT, 123k kms... I'm leaning towards the 3L MT because I've read it's the most reliable of all of them, but I'm only learning about trucks (I'm a woman), other than keeping an eye for that cam sync issue, would you think the 3L V6, MT would be the best option regardless of how they say it's a gutless engine? I plan on using it as a daily. hope you can help
@@darktoast808 out of those options that’s definitely the one I would pick. I understand that you’re dealing with an older truck so anything can happen but that’s definitely gonna be the most reliable. And definitely stick with the manual the automatics until they went to the five speed had a lot of problems.
Sorry, but i do not agree! The 3.0 is a very reliable engine. Cam phazer IS a common issue, however it gives ample warning of impending failure. Sounds like a chirping serpentine belt. Easy fix. This dude should have purchased a NEW truck covered by a warranty! He purchased a OLD ranger!
I'm starting to think my mazda b300 (ranger same thing) isn't normal because it's a 2002 with 250k miles. Only thing I've ever had to change on it was a dry rotten vacuum line. Still runs like a dream with zero issues.
I’m pretty sure you just got super unlucky with this thing. Having the manual 2.3/2.5 is the best and they last forever. My buddy had four all at the same time and all of them had over 250,000 miles
This guy is full of crap the 304 is one of the most reliable Motors ever made and then here he is putting all this money into this Ranger that he's saying is such a piece of crap makes no sense and the ranger itself is one of the best little trucks ever made
the 3,0 vulcan is the very very best engine i have ever owned.....no timing chain to worry with owned 4 all over 200000 easy..got one now...282,000,,,two sets of spark plugs....i pay extra to get one in a new truck today....over a ecoboost...
There’s a lemon in every good line of engines. He must have gotten one of those. The AC fan switch? Anything you use daily for 24 + years will break due to wear. Even a Toyota can have switches and relays give. The console? I’ll give him that. Not a good design. I own a 1999 Ranger 3.0 five speed. It has 270,000 and going strong. I got the manual because the automatics are slower and less durable. The AC compressor just broke a few days ago. No big deal. I have a new one on the way. It’s been a good little truck I bought for $2200! Owned it for 6 years. Now this guy is bitter and bias and I get it. We all take risks buying used cars. But take a look around while you’re driving. You’ll see old Rangers all over the place. That should be a testament to their durability. It pays to really take your time to inspect what you buy. No guarantees but… When the engine goes, I’ll buy another one because I’m not going to pay $40,000 to $70,000 for a new truck. Since you already have the fuel tank out, replace the fuel pump. It’s not that expensive and you already know that it’s a pain in the ass to take the bed off to do it when you had the chance. Motoflyteguy. I’m going to subscribe because I want to see you finish it. Good luck.
I'm up in ontario Canada and have a 2005 with the 3.0 and the 5spd auto. So far so good 🤞. I took the box off to clean and rust proof the frame right after I bought it a year ago.
Great video bro, I learned a lot. Sometimes I think my truck is jinks-ed with all the weird shit that goes wrong with it... Now I learned it's just the shoddy way it's built. You forgot to mention the creaky front end due to crappy ball joint boots that rot off and cause the knuckles to start creaking. LOL
Ive been abusing the **** out of my 3.0 and while i agree about avoiding it i would do so for a different reason. Ive never had any reliability issues nor have i EVER heard of the 3.0 being unreliable until i saw this, actually all ive heard is praise for this heing a reliable motor. I will say the power and fuel econamy are both pretty awefull. I always hear it gets the power of the 2.5 and the milage of the 4.0 but its a very reliable engine even if you abuse it
I would HIGHLY recommend changing the timing chain set. I think mine had 220k and stopped running. The chain had stretched so bad it torched the valves and seats.
The Vulcan 3.0 has an odd engine issue in that it builds up carbon on the piston crowns.This causes it to ping in high load situations as the build-up acts to increase compression. I replaced my heads, which are prone to crack or recess the valve, cleaned the crowns and never had pinging again. Also, a big lesson is an engine flush helped dramatically. I used liquimoly flush, drained and immediately filled with regular oil and let that flush run for 10 minutes (to capture the remaining flushing chemical) and installed an new filter/oil combo. It made a huge difference in quieting the engine noises, smoothness and MPG climbed about 2.
Whoa there I had my heads completely rebuilt resurfaced for $325 I can tell you everything about this motor. Bro the things you're saying you are way off base. I rebuilt mine completely 100% for less than 2,400. I need to make a video calling incorrect videos.
Always gonna have this one guy. Less than 2400 eh? I bought a reman for less than that. And you didn't get heads rebuilt for 325. Maybe you got the machining work done for that, but that's not new valves and springs.
I don't think you know what you're talking about. You talk about airplanes and then motorcycles. Maybe you don't know about trucks. Just saying... unless you are the god of everything. @MotoFlightGuy
I own a 97 with the 3.0 5sp manual and 4x4. I have owned it since new and you are dead on for all points, except my gutless 3.0 with 365,000 on it is scary with the original gaskets and water pump. I'm not crazy about the intake manifold with the throttle body incorporated into the intake and no body makes a replacement throttle cable. The rest of the items on your list is spot on feel like the engine is a freak. Good luck with you refresh. 😊
I have a 2000 Ford Ranger with the 3.0. I must have gotten a good one because the only thing that I have ever had to do is redo the brakes, oil changes, and a fan belt. I have a 130,000 Mi on this and that's all I've ever had to do. This is actually the best vehicle I've ever owned
$2000 for overhaul with rebuilt torque converter. I've put about 1500 miles on it now and it was by the best thing I did. Shifts great and gets better fuel economy now.
I've never had problems with pulling the fuel lines on these if you have the right tool. I just don't think this guy knows anything about what he's doing with cars or trucks for that matter. Stick to your airplanes buddy! There's a reason that there is a following for the Rangers and that's because they are pretty much the most bulletproof little truck you can get. I've had three with the 3.0 and I've never had any issues. As a matter of fact I've made money selling them off because people give me mad money for them. Probably the most reliable honest little truck you can get. Hence the cult for them.
This 130,000 me Ranger with the 3.0 l has been more reliable any Toyota Camry that I've owned. That's saying a lot. Yes I will put the Ford Ranger as a better and more reliable vehicle than a Toyota Camry
Viewers, don't listen to this guy. This is a very reliable engine, much more so than the 4.0.
I had issues with my 3.0 I had blown head gasket but I fixed it I shaved the head with a belt sander I cleaned all the freaking acid and freaking wire brush got the coolant problem fixed it causes the head gasket to blow at Port and Paul said damn thing and it went like a raped ape 100 for the upper end gasket kit
@@Brian-jz1pi mine has about 100k miles of pizza and door dash delivery. Runs like a bear.
@@DeathStrikeVirus hey, I'm looking into buying a Ranger, my options are: a 3L V6, MT, 89k kms vs 3L V6, AT, 169k kms or a 4L V6, AT, 123k kms... I'm leaning towards the 3L MT because I've read it's the most reliable of all of them, but I'm only learning about trucks (I'm a woman), other than keeping an eye for that cam sync issue, would you think the 3L V6, MT would be the best option regardless of how they say it's a gutless engine? I plan on using it as a daily. hope you can help
@@darktoast808 I'm partial to manual anyway, but that 3L V6 MT with only 89k kms is practically new. Mine isn't gutless, but it's the flex fuel and they have bigger injectors. The 3.0 likes higher RPMs so drive it like that and you'll be fine.
The 3.0 vulcan is notoriously reliable. Some say its as durable as the inline 6 300
one of the most reliable engines. probably most reliable of the options. just bc it happened to u doesnt make it "most common".
I bought a 2nd generation sable from neglectful owners. The headgasket was bad because of the constant overheating they did because they didnt take care of coolent system (filled it with hose water 🤦) but it was fine for a moment because it was only a small exhaust leak into my coolent system. But today I just checked my oil, and guess what...it was milky 😢....time for a headgasket and head change
i got a 2000 3.0 got 215k miles no problems just the regular needed new wires spark plugs and 02 censors
We want Thorp content! That is all…
The lease reliable engine that was in the Ranger during this time? Really ? The 3L was the most reliable V6 engine that was in those trucks. The 4.0 overhead valve was really bad for cracking heads. the 4 L single overhead. cam was really bad for breaking time chain gides.. You’re right about the 3 L having to cam sync issues,and somebody’s been a tech for 20 years. I probably changed well over 100 of those. All of the 3 L will have the Cam sync issue. As a tech for over 20 years I’ve changed well over 100 of those, while I’m sure people who have ignored the signs have blown motor for it. I have personally never seen it. Every cam sync that fails generally gives a pretty good warning. It sounds like an overly loud belt chirp and as long as you change it when they start making noise never an major issue. Generally it will get one maybe two swaps in their life as its generally an over 150,000 mile failure most of the time.Every engine has its issues and to blame a motor that was 24 years old that you have no history of for breaking a valve spring means the entire line off engines is trash is a little the hyperbolic if you asked me.
PS the 3.0 with the bad heads was from 86 to 89 and never in a ranger
hey, I'm looking into buying a Ranger, my options are: a 3L V6, MT, 89k kms vs 3L V6, AT, 169k kms or a 4L V6, AT, 123k kms... I'm leaning towards the 3L MT because I've read it's the most reliable of all of them, but I'm only learning about trucks (I'm a woman), other than keeping an eye for that cam sync issue, would you think the 3L V6, MT would be the best option regardless of how they say it's a gutless engine? I plan on using it as a daily. hope you can help
@@darktoast808 out of those options that’s definitely the one I would pick. I understand that you’re dealing with an older truck so anything can happen but that’s definitely gonna be the most reliable. And definitely stick with the manual the automatics until they went to the five speed had a lot of problems.
Sorry, but i do not agree! The 3.0 is a very reliable engine. Cam phazer IS a common issue, however it gives ample warning of impending failure. Sounds like a chirping serpentine belt. Easy fix. This dude should have purchased a NEW truck covered by a warranty! He purchased a OLD ranger!
I'm starting to think my mazda b300 (ranger same thing) isn't normal because it's a 2002 with 250k miles. Only thing I've ever had to change on it was a dry rotten vacuum line. Still runs like a dream with zero issues.
How did it get 400k miles with this engine that's apparently no good
I’m pretty sure you just got super unlucky with this thing. Having the manual 2.3/2.5 is the best and they last forever. My buddy had four all at the same time and all of them had over 250,000 miles
This guy is full of crap the 304 is one of the most reliable Motors ever made and then here he is putting all this money into this Ranger that he's saying is such a piece of crap makes no sense and the ranger itself is one of the best little trucks ever made
@@patricklutz647 I don't recall saying the Ranger trucks are junk in this video. I'm pointing out all of the issues they have.
Gee wiz, only 24 years old and it has problems....... The problem with new cars is that they don't stay new very long. Go Figure...
the 3,0 vulcan is the very very best engine i have ever owned.....no timing chain to worry with owned 4 all over 200000 easy..got one now...282,000,,,two sets of spark plugs....i pay extra to get one in a new truck today....over a ecoboost...
There’s a lemon in every good line of engines. He must have gotten one of those. The AC fan switch? Anything you use daily for 24 + years will break due to wear. Even a Toyota can have switches and relays give. The console? I’ll give him that. Not a good design. I own a 1999 Ranger 3.0 five speed. It has 270,000 and going strong. I got the manual because the automatics are slower and less durable. The AC compressor just broke a few days ago. No big deal. I have a new one on the way. It’s been a good little truck I bought for $2200! Owned it for 6 years. Now this guy is bitter and bias and I get it. We all take risks buying used cars. But take a look around while you’re driving. You’ll see old Rangers all over the place. That should be a testament to their durability. It pays to really take your time to inspect what you buy. No guarantees but…
When the engine goes, I’ll buy another one because I’m not going to pay $40,000 to $70,000 for a new truck.
Since you already have the fuel tank out, replace the fuel pump. It’s not that expensive and you already know that it’s a pain in the ass to take the bed off to do it when you had the chance. Motoflyteguy. I’m going to subscribe because I want to see you finish it. Good luck.
I'm up in ontario Canada and have a 2005 with the 3.0 and the 5spd auto. So far so good 🤞. I took the box off to clean and rust proof the frame right after I bought it a year ago.
what did you use to rust proof it? looking to buy one myself in BC, and I know we don't get real snow here, but would still be good to know!
@@darktoast808 phosphoric acid
Great video bro, I learned a lot. Sometimes I think my truck is jinks-ed with all the weird shit that goes wrong with it... Now I learned it's just the shoddy way it's built. You forgot to mention the creaky front end due to crappy ball joint boots that rot off and cause the knuckles to start creaking. LOL
Ive been abusing the **** out of my 3.0 and while i agree about avoiding it i would do so for a different reason. Ive never had any reliability issues nor have i EVER heard of the 3.0 being unreliable until i saw this, actually all ive heard is praise for this heing a reliable motor. I will say the power and fuel econamy are both pretty awefull. I always hear it gets the power of the 2.5 and the milage of the 4.0 but its a very reliable engine even if you abuse it
Mine has 209k and runs good. Am i doomed😮
I would HIGHLY recommend changing the timing chain set. I think mine had 220k and stopped running. The chain had stretched so bad it torched the valves and seats.
Great video. With your budget you had better drive it forever.
The Vulcan 3.0 has an odd engine issue in that it builds up carbon on the piston crowns.This causes it to ping in high load situations as the build-up acts to increase compression.
I replaced my heads, which are prone to crack or recess the valve, cleaned the crowns and never had pinging again.
Also, a big lesson is an engine flush helped dramatically. I used liquimoly flush, drained and immediately filled with regular oil and let that flush run for 10 minutes (to capture the remaining flushing chemical) and installed an new filter/oil combo.
It made a huge difference in quieting the engine noises, smoothness and MPG climbed about 2.
Whoa there I had my heads completely rebuilt resurfaced for $325 I can tell you everything about this motor. Bro the things you're saying you are way off base. I rebuilt mine completely 100% for less than 2,400. I need to make a video calling incorrect videos.
Always gonna have this one guy. Less than 2400 eh? I bought a reman for less than that. And you didn't get heads rebuilt for 325. Maybe you got the machining work done for that, but that's not new valves and springs.
I don't think you know what you're talking about. You talk about airplanes and then motorcycles. Maybe you don't know about trucks. Just saying... unless you are the god of everything. @MotoFlightGuy
Don't forget the very common timing cover coolant leak issue on the 3.0 Vulcan.
i bet this guys' wife complains to her boyfriend about her husband's constant bitching.
Try again
Phenomenal truck and motor but things can happen with closing in on 300k miles so these rants can be helpful nonetheless
I own a 97 with the 3.0 5sp manual and 4x4. I have owned it since new and you are dead on for all points, except my gutless 3.0 with 365,000 on it is scary with the original gaskets and water pump. I'm not crazy about the intake manifold with the throttle body incorporated into the intake and no body makes a replacement throttle cable.
The rest of the items on your list is spot on feel like the engine is a freak.
Good luck with you refresh. 😊
I herd the 4.0 wa yhr worst one thats why i got the 3.0. My 2.3 is way faster lol
The fuel line connecters are one of those push not pull things bud
I have a 2000 Ford Ranger with the 3.0. I must have gotten a good one because the only thing that I have ever had to do is redo the brakes, oil changes, and a fan belt. I have a 130,000 Mi on this and that's all I've ever had to do. This is actually the best vehicle I've ever owned
Hey, you ever figure out what to replace those trim cam.
@@sonjiaj1156 I got cheap ones on Amazon and they are junk and leaking. Currently trying to figure out a solution
Just curious why you didn't V8 swap it?
More work, more expense, and this is just a commuter truck
Ssy bro did the tailwind sell yet?
Not yet
Cost for trans overhaul?
$2000 for overhaul with rebuilt torque converter. I've put about 1500 miles on it now and it was by the best thing I did. Shifts great and gets better fuel economy now.
Where did you get the remanned engine?
I ordered it through a salvage yard company that also deals with suppliers for reman engines. The Y-Yard in Effingham, IL
I got mine from PowerTorque through O'Reilly, 2200. Stay away from the 5.4 triton from them
I've never had problems with pulling the fuel lines on these if you have the right tool. I just don't think this guy knows anything about what he's doing with cars or trucks for that matter. Stick to your airplanes buddy! There's a reason that there is a following for the Rangers and that's because they are pretty much the most bulletproof little truck you can get. I've had three with the 3.0 and I've never had any issues. As a matter of fact I've made money selling them off because people give me mad money for them. Probably the most reliable honest little truck you can get. Hence the cult for them.
This 130,000 me Ranger with the 3.0 l has been more reliable any Toyota Camry that I've owned. That's saying a lot. Yes I will put the Ford Ranger as a better and more reliable vehicle than a Toyota Camry
Bro we don't feed trolls over here
Production numbers say 👍👍👍