Does anyone have a problem with the 3.0 V6 using oil. I have a 2006 Ranger with 17K on it. It now uses almost 1 quart every 3-4K miles. I noticed in the mornings that I see blue smoke at start up. This cannot be normal. My last 1998 ranger with the 3.0V6 went 180k with out using any oil between changes, and I never saw blue smoke. Should I take it back to the dealer?

 

Yes...you should. Sounds like problems with the rings letting oil get into the combustion chamber.

Take it back and make sure they see it. Don't leave until you're satisfied.

 

Blue smoke at start up (after sitting) is normally caused by valve guides, and seals, NOT rings!! A bad PCV valve can also cause this problem. Yes, take it back to your Ford dealer, but I'm sure they are going to tell you a quart of oil every 3K-4K miles is within the normal consumption limits.....

 

A quart every 3-4k miles in normal. What Ford lists as normal is a quart every 1k miles. Blue smoke at 17k is not normal. My 97 F150 4.6 smokes now and then on start up. My truck at 197k miles uses about quart every 3k miles.

 

Most definitely take it the dealer as it is warranty (it is, isn't it/). Sounds like valve stem seals and from what I have been able to find, the 3.0 uses some kind of plasitic seal for the stems. Not a good combination in my mind.

Chuck

 

Whether it's a broken ring, valve seat, what ever.. Its under warranty. go complain until you're blue in the face. 17k is no milestone.