Does anyone know if all 3.0 Vulcans produced from '98 and newer are all Flex Fuel Engines? I want to buy a used '02 Edge with the 3.0L but I'm not sure if it's Flex Fuel. I really don't want or need a flex fuel engine.

 

ggar,

Hello and welcome to FTE! I'm pretty certain that all 2000 Rangers with the 3.0L Vulcan engine are FFVs.

I put together this page based on information I got from Ford affiliated websites: FORD FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLES BY YEAR

But I am curious, why are you predisposed against the 3.0L FFV?

 

what the deal with flex fuel?

 

Flex fuel engines can use regular unleaded or E-85. There are different parts that are used throughout the vehicle to accommodate the alcohol part in E-85, such as different fuel injectors, etc.

Rockledge, on your flex fuel by year list, it says that all 2002 3.0L 4x2 extended cab Rangers are flex fuel. I have a 2002 and it is NOT flex fuel. Owners manual says only unleaded, and the VIN has a U in the 8th position.

 

I had a '99 Supercab 2wd with the 3.0 Flex fuel and never got any better than 17 MPG. I really can't handle a small truck that only gets 17 MPG. From what I've read on this site, the non-FFV vehicles get better fuel mileage.

 

Fixed...thanks for the heads up.

 

Rockledge,

Thanks for the breakdown by year. I'm just a little concerned about the MPG of the 3.0, that's all.

Thanks again

 

droptop -
Does that mean that a "U" as the eighth character in the VIN on any Ranger isn't a FFV? I'm not trying to ask stupid questions, I just want to be a well informed buyer. Thanks for the help.

 

It's not a stupid question.

Here you go, Ford 3.0L VIN Codes (8th Pos):

U = 3.0L Regular Gasoline OHV (12v) - Ranger/Taurus/Sable

V = 3.0L Flexible Fuel Gas/Ethanol OHV (12v) - Ranger

1 = 3.0L Flexible Fuel Gas/Methanol OHV (12v) - Taurus/Sable

2 = 3.0L Flexible Fuel Gas/Ethanol OHV (12v) - Taurus/Sable

S = 3.0L Regular Gasoline DOHC (24v) - Taurus/Sable

 

Thanks for all the great info! I'm glad I found this site! Later.

 

Thanks for the info, too.

I have a '99 3.0L auto Supercab w/ the FlexFuel option. I never really checked into all the specifics but knew it could use the E85 (?) fuel should it be needed. Living in south Texas, I have never seen a station selling it. Then again, I never look for it.

One comment. I have read some of the other threads and mention of pretty good mileage from other Rangers. W/ my truck, the best I have gotten is 21 and generally get about 19. I do most highway driving and that is w/ the air on (south Texas and a/c is a possibility almost year round).

I guess now I know why I only get 'fair' mileage instead of very good.