3.0L Valve Spring
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,739
Likes: 2,669
From: SE Florida
3.0L Valve Spring
Are broken valve springs a common failure on the 3.0L? My son in law's 2004 Ranger just had one break. What a racket! It has 104,000 miles.
My initial guess was that it was going to need a new engine. I was sure that the valve had dropped and trashed the cylinder. It didn't.
When I took the valve cover off #1 exhaust spring was in two pieces. It is a classic fatigue failure. The retainer is gone, most likely in the pan. The push rod is fine, the rocker is fine, the valve is fine, and looking in the cylinder with a borescope I don't see any damage. I'll have the new parts tomorrow and see what happens when it is back together.
My initial guess was that it was going to need a new engine. I was sure that the valve had dropped and trashed the cylinder. It didn't.
When I took the valve cover off #1 exhaust spring was in two pieces. It is a classic fatigue failure. The retainer is gone, most likely in the pan. The push rod is fine, the rocker is fine, the valve is fine, and looking in the cylinder with a borescope I don't see any damage. I'll have the new parts tomorrow and see what happens when it is back together.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Stanley, KS
Keep us posted as I have 107,000 on my 2000 Range.
Dave
Dave
Are broken valve springs a common failure on the 3.0L? My son in law's 2004 Ranger just had one break. What a racket! It has 104,000 miles.
My initial guess was that it was going to need a new engine. I was sure that the valve had dropped and trashed the cylinder. It didn't.
When I took the valve cover off #1 exhaust spring was in two pieces. It is a classic fatigue failure. The retainer is gone, most likely in the pan. The push rod is fine, the rocker is fine, the valve is fine, and looking in the cylinder with a borescope I don't see any damage. I'll have the new parts tomorrow and see what happens when it is back together.
My initial guess was that it was going to need a new engine. I was sure that the valve had dropped and trashed the cylinder. It didn't.
When I took the valve cover off #1 exhaust spring was in two pieces. It is a classic fatigue failure. The retainer is gone, most likely in the pan. The push rod is fine, the rocker is fine, the valve is fine, and looking in the cylinder with a borescope I don't see any damage. I'll have the new parts tomorrow and see what happens when it is back together.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Can't say I have ever heard of that failure in these engines, the common problem with them is bearing(bushing) failure on the cam position sensor which quickly leads to engine failure when the sensor stops turning.(FYI the cam sensor replaced the distributor when these motors went to EDIS, so that sensor now drives the oil pump). If you hear any squeaks coming from the back of the motor swap in a new sensor immediately.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Can't say that I've heard of any 3.0L common exhaust, or any valve spring problems. Kinda sounds like the spring wasn't hardened properly, so their may be more in that particular production lot of springs, but who knows what the distribution would look like, random thing I'm thinking/hoping????
Good to hear no damage. I had one break a long time ago, during wind out when getting on the interstate, on my then brand new 71 Toyota Corolla 1.2L 4banger. Power slumped & sounded like I was dragging a Big tree branch, then a buzz like a spring bouncing back & forth. It too didn't do any damage, but took days to get a new spring, as the Dealer said they Never had valve springs break, so no area Dealers had one in stock. If its unusual, it'll happen to me!!!! lol Let us know how it goes when its back together.
Good to hear no damage. I had one break a long time ago, during wind out when getting on the interstate, on my then brand new 71 Toyota Corolla 1.2L 4banger. Power slumped & sounded like I was dragging a Big tree branch, then a buzz like a spring bouncing back & forth. It too didn't do any damage, but took days to get a new spring, as the Dealer said they Never had valve springs break, so no area Dealers had one in stock. If its unusual, it'll happen to me!!!! lol Let us know how it goes when its back together.
Thread Starter
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,739
Likes: 2,669
From: SE Florida
I talked to one mechanic that specializes in Fords. He said he sees 3.0Ls break valve springs all the time. He had one in the shop that he had just rebuilt the heads due to broken springs.
None of the auto parts stores could even get one. The Ford dealer could at least order one.
None of the auto parts stores could even get one. The Ford dealer could at least order one.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Interesting that the Tech sees broken 3.0L Vulcan valve springs all the time, but members never complain of it on the forum!!!! Lots of warped 3.0L heads from overheating & leaking head & lower intake manifold gaskets, but not broken valve springs.
Thread Starter
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,739
Likes: 2,669
From: SE Florida
I ordered the spring from a Ford dealer. I installed it today and the truck runs fine.
The spring was $20 at the dealer. Today I looked at Rock Auto. $2.70 each, plus shipping. A set of 12, with keepers and shipping, is about $43.
The spring was $20 at the dealer. Today I looked at Rock Auto. $2.70 each, plus shipping. A set of 12, with keepers and shipping, is about $43.
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Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
WOW, $20 for a danged valve spring, no wonder it runs so good!!!! lol Good to hear its all back together & on the road again.
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