I have a 98 Ranger, 3.0. Only 78k on the speedo and appears I have the dreaded exhaust valve problem. Should I change both heads when in this deep and what year head is best for this "upgrade" if any? TIA....

 

Welcome to the forum

Exhaust valve seat issue were 2004-2006 3.0l Vulcan engines, if you had a 2003 or 2007 then "maybe" but for sure not a 1998 3.0l

Do a compression test on all 6 cylinders
Expected is 160psi in each


What are your symptoms that make you think its a compression issue(the exhaust seat issue)?

Any engine can get burnt exhaust valves if its been running lean
In that case new heads would be recommended but you would first need to find out why it was running lean or new heads would suffer the same fate

There were only 2 heads for the 3.0l Vulcan engine, gas only heads and Flex Fuel Heads, yours are most likely gas only so VIN "U" heads, any year, except 2004-2006, lol

 

Compression test has one cyl nothing. I will know more when on the table. Thanks for your reply, I thought ALL 3.0 engines had the problem, you have made me feel better about this ordeal.

 

I believe 20% of all Vulcan 3.0’s had the valve guide seat issues. I believe mine does too it’s an 02.