View single post by mhoward

Posted: Sun Apr 21st, 2024 01:48 pm

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mhoward
Hey look ~ they ~ bounce!

Joined: Sun Oct 22nd, 2017

Location: Evansville, USA

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Chris, I normally would do just that... find the source of the problem before throwing time and money at it. Since it is spring time here in Southern Indiana, I can't imagine it being a cracked block (although it IS possible). My son believes the rubber gasket where the oil pan and timing cover meet is where the coolant ingress is occurring. I had changed the timing chain & gears, gaskets and water pump back in December. He thinks the gasket experienced a delayed failure. Who knows?? Since it is rubber and not paper-based, it is really hard to tell.

If it turns out to be a cracked block, then there will be a new engine in the works. I have considered that if this were the case, I would probably find a donor truck and upgrade to a 4.0L. That would require the engine, transmission, engine harness and PCM. Possibly other pieces.

3.0L cylinders are not lined, so it is simply a hole in the block.

The condition of the cylinder walls is just a fluke. I bought this truck 9 years ago with 76K on the odometer. Today, it has 199,338 on the clock. That's 123K that I have put on it myself, so why they are in such amazing shape is beyond my comprehension.

By all means, please continue your musings from across the pond! Such things provoke thought in directions not previously considered!

____________________
-- Michael

2003 Ranger Edge / Extended Cab / Flareside / 3.0L FLEX / 5r44e Auto / 2WD / 8.8 LS 4:10 / Sonic Blue Pearl

So many mods... so little time...