How many miles on your 3.0
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Union Grove, AL
I just replaced the timing set, for the first time, on my 91 Ranger 3.0 w/245k miles on it. The chain had some slack in it, but wasn't all that bad considering the miles on it. I could have continued driving it for a while, but I didn't want to take a chance on damaging the engine if it jumped time or broke the chain. This has been one very dependable truck!! It's nice to have reliable transportation that you don't have to make a payment on, or take out a loan to repair.
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
133,000 miles on my 96 Ranger XL, which I just bought a few days ago. Runs fine.
Had to replace the cam syncronizer but other than that it's great. I'm giving her a major tune-up now for preventative maintenance. I'm glad to know these things last awhile.
Had to replace the cam syncronizer but other than that it's great. I'm giving her a major tune-up now for preventative maintenance. I'm glad to know these things last awhile.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Orchard Park
Info
Well i just thought that i would share this...
just started prepping my new motor to go in my car...but pulling off the covers from the old one, and looking into the new one, this is what i saw...
can still see as its on the garage floor -
it is a 1988 183 vulcan
milage - somewhere close to 275K as far our math guess goes
well it needed a new timing chain, this has a good amount of slop, enough to wear the little pins on the cover half gone...
but -
lifters and cam - perfect
rockers, fulcrums, push rods - all looked brand new
the cylinder walls are perfect, no ring groove
piston tops dirty. but in great shape
back of heads grimmy and goo but good water passage
bottom end looks and feels great
both mainseals shot and needed replacing anyway
water pump going - almost gone no seal
a few water pump, timing chain cover and lower intake bolts broke
no sludge built up in pan or oil pick up, valve covers, or lower intake
Just sharing the info
Jake
just started prepping my new motor to go in my car...but pulling off the covers from the old one, and looking into the new one, this is what i saw...
can still see as its on the garage floor -
it is a 1988 183 vulcan
milage - somewhere close to 275K as far our math guess goes
well it needed a new timing chain, this has a good amount of slop, enough to wear the little pins on the cover half gone...
but -
lifters and cam - perfect
rockers, fulcrums, push rods - all looked brand new
the cylinder walls are perfect, no ring groove
piston tops dirty. but in great shape
back of heads grimmy and goo but good water passage
bottom end looks and feels great
both mainseals shot and needed replacing anyway
water pump going - almost gone no seal
a few water pump, timing chain cover and lower intake bolts broke
no sludge built up in pan or oil pick up, valve covers, or lower intake
Just sharing the info
Jake
Last edited by BF_JC230; May 11, 2004 at 09:47 PM.
Thanks for passing it along.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge, LA
You said it Rock...this vulcan is something else. I am beginning to wonder if anyone has EVER had a 3.0 break down! 
I am at 49,000 mi with my infant 3.0. If it werent for the darn ping, it would be one hell of an engine!
I am at 49,000 mi with my infant 3.0. If it werent for the darn ping, it would be one hell of an engine!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
Miles on 3.0
I've got a '91 Aerostar and a '93 Aerostar. Both have over
200K on each motor and they haven't been touched. The
'91 uses a quart every thousand miles, but the '93 doesn't
require additional oil between services.
200K on each motor and they haven't been touched. The
'91 uses a quart every thousand miles, but the '93 doesn't
require additional oil between services.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 736
Likes: 3
From: South East, Michigan
My 91 two wheel drive has 190,000 on it and the valave covers have never been off. (they are starting to leak a bit though). I have owned it since 117,000 miles (1997) and have driven it hard, lots of W.O.T. operation and in the sand, jumping it 4-5 feet in the air (see gallery), getting it stuck in the mud, etc... Still don't even burn a quart of oil between changes (every 3,000 miles since I have owned it, with 10W30 Mobil 1) I like my 91 3.0L better than my 97 4.0L by far. I have only had to replace the plugs once , the water pump twice, and exhaust system 3 times since 1997. No other engine related work in that time. This truck came from California, so the body is still very solid. Who knows this truck may out last me!!