I dont know whats going on with my little vulcan. I have days where it seems like its busting tail off the line, I can even lay down some rubber with WOT (amazing for a vulcan) and sometimes it is just a pokey dog off the line.

I've seen mention of the timing retard for the flex fuel function getting stuck IN flex fuel mode but for the life of me I cant figure out how to test or override this.

I realize that it can be any number of things but on an 05 with 40k the way it flips performance profiles is near bipolar.

No ac running during either situation.

I'd like to know a bit more about how the flex fuel option functions and how it can be locked out for normal operation.

Also, I notice a bit of gruffness in the engine between 4k-4500 then it smooths back out. its very slight.

I've also noticed that no matter what I do, when taking off the line, the thing stays above 2k rpm which is not something I am used to in an automatic (I have the 5speed auto with the edge package and the higher gear ratio in the rear)

I'm getting ready to do some major upgrades to some of the cheaper componets... Aluminum drive shaft, better ball joints and tie rods, upgrade on the ignition system, plugs and wires, air filter swap ETC. just beefing up the stock componets.

I am an old school mechanic but have never really played with the vulcans, so still need to get used to the temperment. I know they are dogs, but some days man shes just a whipped puppy.

 

You've been at 4500rpm? My needles have never gone past probably 3500rpm. I'd have to get my helmet out in fear of being hit with a rod.

 

yeah the lil 3.0 has its good and bad days, there has been some days it hauls better and others where I can barely go faster than a corolla...

What year is your ranger?

Ive picked this up from RPS that the valvetrain is good until you hit 5400 rpms thats when floating valves and other mess starts to happen... but you have to rev the **** out of the vulcan just to get it goin... now Im not saying you should nor have to take the rpms up to 5400 everyday nor every second just to get the thing going.

 

I dont think the 3.0 ever has a "ton" of power. But I have had the same problem. After I changed the plugs, oil, air filter, and disconnected the battery over night it didnt happen for a good long while. Then it will start happening. I just disconnect the battery and it fixes itself agian.

iono, someone said it could have something to do with the flex fuel sensor since I have a 2000 and they changed it to ECU flex fuel sensing in 2001.

 

Shes a 2005 Edge. I need to get some pics to post of her.

If you have been around anaheim, I would be the one with the cartoon kangaroo on the sides of the bed =P

 

It's not a race car, its a truck man.. Just drive it.. 3.0's are reliable..

 

I have a thread on here where I mention the inconsistency I experiened. Mine is a 95. It seems more consistent with the mods (actually maintenance) I did. It has been a week or two since I finished but I don't know if there will be anything here to help you.
Just my $.02.

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=69568

 

My Vulcan sees 5500 RPM on a fairly regular basis.

 

x2

 

Mine did not except occasionally. It does now because it finally can.

 

x3

 

According to Rich the stock ECU is setup to take out a bunch of timing when the intake temp goes about 80 degrees. Maybe that the problem. My 4.0 feels faster at times.

 

Hmm, mine has see 6K a few times, but that was several years ago. I bumped my limited back down to around 5500.

 

i have a 98' 3.o, and sometimes mine will tear up the raod, then it feels like once it gets all that torque and power going, it slows itself down. idk what the heck is wrong. its consistent other than that.

 

my vulcan sees 5500 pretty regularly.....

 

hell my 3.0 see's 6k everyday... as did my old one.. Haven't had any problems... yet..
Good truck.. good motor.

 

All the power is low in the revs with not much in the upper.