I have a 2000 ranger xlt 4x4 3.0. I have had the truck for about 3 years now and have put over $3,500 in repairs trying to fix an overheating problem. It first started overheating in Jan of 2009. I took it to a mechanic and was informed it needed a new radiator, so I had it replaced. It ran fine for a couple of days and then the temp gauge started would run hot after first starting and then drop back down to cold and then would slowly start to warm up. At the same time the oil press gauge would show no oil pressure until the engine would warm up. I took it to a ford dealship and let them look it over. They came to the conclusion it needed a new water pump, fan clutch, and that the head gasket was blown. After the repairs were made it ran great for a couple of days and then it started to overheat again. I flushed the coolant system and installed a new thermostat myself hoping this would cure the problem. It did not. I took it back to the dealership and the radiator had busted. I had a new radiator installed and it still over heats. It has just recently became hard to start. It takes about a minute to get the engine to start and after it does I smell a strong odor of gas. I hate to take it back again. I am getting tired of putting money into it.

Any Ideas?
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I *just* dumped my 2004 Sentra which had symptoms similiar to yours. On mine it was a blown head gasket. Two treatments of the K&W sealer at Wal-Mart took care of it (for now). If you're going to keep the truck, bypass the heater core before adding the treatment (this seems to be the common wisdom on the internet out there). Hope this info helps. Good luck!