Hey guys, I usually hang out on different pages but I'm looking at buying a Taurus for my mom. It is a 98 LX with the 3.0 and 60k. I will, of course have it checked out before and if I buy it but is there anything in particular to look out for with these motors. The post about "How many mile on your 3.0" was encouraging. It seems trannys are a weak spot, anything else? Thanks, Matt.

 

A lot depends on which 3.0L engine is in the car. In '98 Ford put both the 3.0L OHV "vulcan" engine and also the 3.0L DOHC "duratec" engine in the Taurus. Both engines are sound. However, you should take note that the '96-'99 Taurus/Sable with the "vulcan" engine had cooling systems issues which sometimes resulted in what is now known as "brown coolant" syndrom, which could be very destructive. There is TSB that covers the issue, and there was even an "owner notification program" with regard to it.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...80&postcount=4

If the engine is the vulcan, then my advice would be to have an "OASIS" check done on the car by a Ford Tech or dealership. That was the way I was able to confirm that the recommended repair (coolant bypass kit, etc.) had been performed on my Taurus before I purchased it.

 

Thanks for the tip, how do I tell which engine is in the car?

 

The 3.0L OHV vulcan engine will have a "U" as the 8th digit in the VIN. If the vulcan engine is "flex-fuel" capable (i.e., it will also run on ethanol), then the 8th digit will be a "2".

The duratec engine will have an "S" in the 8th digit of the VIN.