Hi. I am new to this but wanted to try to get some answers to my problem. I have a 99 Ranger 2wd, 3.0 Flex engine. Last year, I pulled the heads, took them to a machine shop to be checked. Heads were reconditioned (for lack of a better way of saying), I put new gaskets in, reinstalled everything. Truck ran great up until a few months ago. Started getting CEL, P0306 code. Cylinder 6 misfire. I changed plugs, plug wires, coil pack, injectors, etc. Still have code. I pulled the plugs and checked compression. Cylinders 5 and 6 compression is half the others. Not sure what to do. I have a friend that has a 1997 Ranger for parts. Not sure if it is a 3.0 or 4.0, but I can get the engine. Just wondering if I should continue to work on my 3.0 or try to change it out. HELP!!!

 

Welcome to the forum.

Why did you pull the heads the first time?

How long, approx., between installing heads and this problem?


For 5 and 6 to both be effected, I would first check valve train on that side.
But most likely the head gasket between the 2 cylinders is blown.

That wouldn't be cause to swap engines until heads were off again and you find the problem.
If you did swap it would have to be another 3.0l Vulcan engine, 4.0l won't work.

 

I pulled the heads because the head gasket on drivers side had blown at 248,000 miles. And now it seems that the problem is in the same area again. It has been about 10 months since I did the work and this problem occurring.


I had been told that it could be the head gasket again. It just seems interesting that it would be in the same area as before. Any reason for that?


I just didn't want to go through all of that again.

 

Check your torque wrench, lol.

I had, well still have but don't use, a craftsman torque wrench for 25 years, worked great...........for most of those years.

Blew rad hose on my 4.0l, drove it home, cracked a head, bad idea to drive it home, lol.
Replaced the head gaskets and 1 head.
Ran great for 9 months
Blew head gasket again, well I ain't perfect so............maybe I missed something.
Checked block, redid heads gaskets, heads were fine, I didn't drive it hot this time.

9 months later................blew head gasket, WTF!!!!!
I ain't perfect but like to think I ain't stupid either, stupid is when you don't learn from your mistakes, just keep repeating them, lol.

"A poor workman blames his tools", well.......put the craftsman wrench in the vise and tested it, OH MY almost 30ft/lb light, so final torque was 30ft/lbs light for the heads.
Lasted 9 month or so and blows.

Bought a new torque wrench, been a few years now, no problems.


But back to your situation, I would just plan on redoing the heads, check the block for flatness on that side, but don't think the two are related.
Head gaskets don't just blow, usually there is an overheating incident that crushes the gasket, or pinging eats away at the gasket.