3.0L V6 Identification
 

Is there some sort of 3.0L V6 identification guide? My son's 96 Ranger had an engine replaced but I wasn't able to find out what the donor engine was from. Would the engine serial number have that encoded? Where do I find the serial number? If I post a few pics of the engine, can you guys maybe narrow it down? I need an idler pulley for it but I can't just ask for an idler pulley for a 96 Ranger anymore.

Thanks.

8th digit of the VIN is the engine code. Some more info relevant to the 3.0L can be found HERE.

Well, the VIN of the truck doesn't mean much when the engine has been replaced. The problem is I don't know which 3.0L V6 is in it now. Aerostar, Probe, Ranger, Taurus, Tempo, Mazda B3000, Mercury Sable, Topaz... I don't know. Nor do I know what year the engine came from.

Good point.

FWIW, there is supposed to be a "Ford Broadcast Code" sticker that is used by engine rebuilders to determine the exact engine and application ID. It is a paper sticker usually located on the cam/rocker/valve cover and/or the front cover. The stickers are often marred up real good or gone completely, but it's worth a look.

If you get the code you might be able to call a dealer or rebuild shop and have them tell you what application the code points to.

There's a sticker that's still legible. I'll write it down and ask a Ford tech. I think that's my best option now. Thanks!

V6 3.0 engine help
 

Were you able to find out the specs on the replaced engine? I'm having the same issue. I found a barcode sticker on the left side of the engine. It's barely readable but i'm not sure if that's the right one.