Hello all, usually Im not in the 3.0 section as I am rebuilding an older Ford F-100. Although I seen the 3.0 section and wanted to ask if any of you 3 liter guys have had a problem with oil pressure. At approx. 46,000 miles my 3.0 in my 2000 ranger auto. was replaced under warranty due to a rod knocking and tearing up the block. However about 10,000 miles after that or so my oil pressure gauge would not rise on a cold start until the engine warms up or has been running for approx 5 minutes. Im guessing maybe the oil pressure sending unit. It doesnt show any real sign of not having oil pressure. It seems to just be the gauge. any other suggestions? Any help greatly appreciated. thanks FordFanStan

 

I agree that the oil pressure sender should be considered the most likely cause of your current issue. I've heard of quite a few of these sensors on the 3.0L acting funny.

Did you ever get an explanation from Ford as to why your first 3.0L blew up like it did?

 

Yes, they said it had to do with faulty equipment. They hadnt seen any other rangers or 3.0s do it, but they said they have heard other dealerships say they have had to replace em. well i will look into the oil pressure sending unit as soon as im done working on my a/c today. thanks alot FordManStan

 

I just had the oil pressure sending unit replaced on my 2002 3.0L Ranger yesterday. The oil pressure gauge needle would jump back and forth after driving at highway speeds for about 1 hour when I would slow down (say getting off an exit ramp). When it would act up i could hear a clicking noise coming from the dash.

 

Did this fix the problem?

 

another thought on this ford has had problems on these engines due to the screen on the oil pump being so small it gets plugged easily. just another reason for changing oil frequently. I recently replaced oil pump and shaft on my aerostar and the melling oil pump has a little larger screen on it.