The 3.0 vulcan is notoriously reliable. Some say its as durable as the inline 6 300

The lease reliable engine that was in the Ranger during this time? Really ? The 3L was the most reliable V6 engine that was in those trucks. The 4.0 overhead valve was really bad for cracking heads. the 4 L single overhead. cam was really bad for breaking time chain gides.. You’re right about the 3 L having to cam sync issues,and somebody’s been a tech for 20 years. I probably changed well over 100 of those. All of the 3 L will have the Cam sync issue. As a tech for over 20 years I’ve changed well over 100 of those, while I’m sure people who have ignored the signs have blown motor for it. I have personally never seen it. Every cam sync that fails generally gives a pretty good warning. It sounds like an overly loud belt chirp and as long as you change it when they start making noise never an major issue. Generally it will get one maybe two swaps in their life as its generally an over 150,000 mile failure most of the time.Every engine has its issues and to blame a motor that was 24 years old that you have no history of for breaking a valve spring means the entire line off engines is trash is a little the hyperbolic if you asked me. PS the 3.0 with the bad heads was from 86 to 89 and never in a ranger

one of the most reliable engines. probably most reliable of the options. just bc it happened to u doesnt make it "most common".

Viewers, don't listen to this guy. This is a very reliable engine, much more so than the 4.0.

I own a 97 with the 3.0 5sp manual and 4x4. I have owned it since new and you are dead on for all points, except my gutless 3.0 with 365,000 on it is scary with the original gaskets and water pump. I'm not crazy about the intake manifold with the throttle body incorporated into the intake and no body makes a replacement throttle cable. The rest of the items on your list is spot on feel like the engine is a freak. Good luck with you refresh. 😊

I'm up in ontario Canada and have a 2005 with the 3.0 and the 5spd auto. So far so good 🤞. I took the box off to clean and rust proof the frame right after I bought it a year ago.

I'm starting to think my mazda b300 (ranger same thing) isn't normal because it's a 2002 with 250k miles. Only thing I've ever had to change on it was a dry rotten vacuum line. Still runs like a dream with zero issues.

The Vulcan 3.0 has an odd engine issue in that it builds up carbon on the piston crowns.This causes it to ping in high load situations as the build-up acts to increase compression. I replaced my heads, which are prone to crack or recess the valve, cleaned the crowns and never had pinging again. Also, a big lesson is an engine flush helped dramatically. I used liquimoly flush, drained and immediately filled with regular oil and let that flush run for 10 minutes (to capture the remaining flushing chemical) and installed an new filter/oil combo. It made a huge difference in quieting the engine noises, smoothness and MPG climbed about 2.

There’s a lemon in every good line of engines. He must have gotten one of those. The AC fan switch? Anything you use daily for 24 + years will break due to wear. Even a Toyota can have switches and relays give. The console? I’ll give him that. Not a good design. I own a 1999 Ranger 3.0 five speed. It has 270,000 and going strong. I got the manual because the automatics are slower and less durable. The AC compressor just broke a few days ago. No big deal. I have a new one on the way. It’s been a good little truck I bought for $2200! Owned it for 6 years. Now this guy is bitter and bias and I get it. We all take risks buying used cars. But take a look around while you’re driving. You’ll see old Rangers all over the place. That should be a testament to their durability. It pays to really take your time to inspect what you buy. No guarantees but… When the engine goes, I’ll buy another one because I’m not going to pay $40,000 to $70,000 for a new truck. Since you already have the fuel tank out, replace the fuel pump. It’s not that expensive and you already know that it’s a pain in the ass to take the bed off to do it when you had the chance. Motoflyteguy. I’m going to subscribe because I want to see you finish it. Good luck.

Don't forget the very common timing cover coolant leak issue on the 3.0 Vulcan.

Mine has 209k and runs good. Am i doomed😮

How did it get 400k miles with this engine that's apparently no good

Ive been abusing the **** out of my 3.0 and while i agree about avoiding it i would do so for a different reason. Ive never had any reliability issues nor have i EVER heard of the 3.0 being unreliable until i saw this, actually all ive heard is praise for this heing a reliable motor. I will say the power and fuel econamy are both pretty awefull. I always hear it gets the power of the 2.5 and the milage of the 4.0 but its a very reliable engine even if you abuse it

The fuel line connecters are one of those push not pull things bud

I’m pretty sure you just got super unlucky with this thing. Having the manual 2.3/2.5 is the best and they last forever. My buddy had four all at the same time and all of them had over 250,000 miles

Hey, you ever figure out what to replace those trim cam.

Gee wiz, only 24 years old and it has problems....... The problem with new cars is that they don't stay new very long. Go Figure...

Just curious why you didn't V8 swap it?

Ssy bro did the tailwind sell yet?

Where did you get the remanned engine?

I have a 2000 Ford Ranger with the 3.0. I must have gotten a good one because the only thing that I have ever had to do is redo the brakes, oil changes, and a fan belt. I have a 130,000 Mi on this and that's all I've ever had to do. This is actually the best vehicle I've ever owned

Cost for trans overhaul?

We want Thorp content! That is all…

i bet this guys' wife complains to her boyfriend about her husband's constant bitching.

This guy is full of crap the 304 is one of the most reliable Motors ever made and then here he is putting all this money into this Ranger that he's saying is such a piece of crap makes no sense and the ranger itself is one of the best little trucks ever made

Whoa there I had my heads completely rebuilt resurfaced for $325 I can tell you everything about this motor. Bro the things you're saying you are way off base. I rebuilt mine completely 100% for less than 2,400. I need to make a video calling incorrect videos.

I herd the 4.0 wa yhr worst one thats why i got the 3.0. My 2.3 is way faster lol

I've never had problems with pulling the fuel lines on these if you have the right tool. I just don't think this guy knows anything about what he's doing with cars or trucks for that matter. Stick to your airplanes buddy! There's a reason that there is a following for the Rangers and that's because they are pretty much the most bulletproof little truck you can get. I've had three with the 3.0 and I've never had any issues. As a matter of fact I've made money selling them off because people give me mad money for them. Probably the most reliable honest little truck you can get. Hence the cult for them.

This 130,000 me Ranger with the 3.0 l has been more reliable any Toyota Camry that I've owned. That's saying a lot. Yes I will put the Ford Ranger as a better and more reliable vehicle than a Toyota Camry