Hi all!

I've got a little problem with my 93 Ranger. It has the V6 3.0 Vulcan engine. I did notice that it was loosing coolant for a while - probably the previous owner had the same issue but didn't tell me. I always wind up with leaky vehicles...

I traced the leak to the timing cover - seems the gasket is gone or on its way out. So far I couldn't find any coolant in the oil (I'm loosing a lot of that, too). Now that it got colder here the coolant started literally pouring out of the timing cover. Is there a reason why the leak gets worse in the cold (metal contracts and once the engine heats up leak seals itself somewhat?!)?

I got a new water pump and gaskets to throw in - I may also change the timing gears/chain once I'm in there. My understanding is that I'll need a harmonic balancer removal and installer tool. I hope to rent that from Advance or so.

So far my plan is to remove the alternator, ac, radiator, fan, crankshaft pulley, oil pan (funfun). Does anyone know if I need to replace the screws that hold the timing cover on the engine block? Do they snap easily? My biggest worry is to snap one of the bolts in the block since I don't think I'll be able to fix that.

Any thoughts on the oil pan? I've read somewhere that some people don't bother lifting the engine and simply fiddle the new gasket in place with the little clearance you get when dropping the pan a bit.

I'll basically have to do this in the driveway and can't block it for weeks since it provides access to my landlords garage. Ideally I want to be prepared for any eventualities and get this done in 24-48hrs. I may also not be able to jack up the car - the ground's quite muddy and uneven. The idea of lying under the car with the jackstands slowly sinking in terrifies me.

OK, this post is a bit longer. I'd be happy for any advice before I start this job. If you could share some of your wisdom with me that is going to make my adventure a bit easier and gives me a rough time-frame for the repair that would be great.

 

I have a 2000 with a 4.0 and just had to change the timing cover gasket. I had my local garage do it but I watched. You dont need to take the oil pan off and you dont have to change the bolts to the cover. The other things you mentioned you do need to take off. I also changed the water pump while I was in there.

 

So I'm on the money there then. I'm sort of thinking about renting a bay and lift to do the work. I'm in DC and the weather at the moment is dreadful. I don't think I want to drive it in this stage at all. If it goes wrong and showers my crankcase and timing gears in coolant I have a problem I reckon...

Charlie, just out of curiosity, how much money did you have to shell out for the fix? Seems like an expensive one.