93 Mazda B3000

[SilverFusion2010]

Planning on a HDEO for this one. Probably 15w-40. This engine is known for inadequate lubrication to the pushrod/rocker arm contact point so I'm going full saps


Add your thoughts and opinions below. Truck has around 160k miles. 3 liter ohv v6

 

[justintendo]

i had a 94 b3000 for years. i never really abused it, but i ran it pretty good..3k most shifts. it was super reliable and i only retired it because of rust. the 3.0 vulcan is a perfect engine for rangers imho, as it still gets a tad bit of fuel economy but has much more oomph compared to the 4 cyl..i always ran 5w30 mobil 1 in, over the course of about 100k that i had it. it also saw plenty of use well above 3k, as that engine really liked to pull the rpm.

is your 93 still a mazda or had they switched to ford built mazdas then?

 

[ka9mnx]

I've had many 3.0 engines (Ford) and never heard they had an oiling issue. I wouldn't run 15w-40 in that engine. 5w-30 or 10w-30 (where you live).

 

[addyguy]

10W-30 HDEO would be a bit better choice, unless this engine burns a lot of oil?

 

[Triple_Se7en]

5W40 Rotella or Delo, would be a solid choice here.

 

[Nickdfresh]

There are no lubrication issues on the 3.0L. I'd just use a HM 5/10W-30...

 

[Whipcitywrencher]

You living in Fl. I'd go with a 10w30.
Have fun with your pickup

 

[MParr]

That Mazda has the Ford Vulcan V6 in it. It's a darned good engine. I had the same engine in a ‘91 Ranger. The only problem that you may run into is the timing chain cover. The timing chain cover gasket can deteriorate and cause a coolant leak. 10W30 Valvoline conventional would be my choice.

 

[dave1251]

Originally Posted by Nickdfresh
There are no lubrication issues on the 3.0L. I'd just use a HM 5/10W-30...



This I don't know where the OP obtained that info.

 

[SilverFusion2010]

Pretty sure I read it on Wikipedia and then found a post in ranger station. The prior owner overheated and blew head gasket so I'll be finding out for myself shortly.

 

[SilverFusion2010]

Had it mixed up with the 2.9 v6.

 

[nobb]

Originally Posted by MParr
The only problem that you may run into is the timing chain cover. The timing chain cover gasket can deteriorate and cause a coolant leak. 10W30 Valvoline conventional would be my choice.


Is there a good way to fix the timing cover permanently? Or do you just have to change out the gasket every time it leaks? IMO the reason why this is such a common problem is because there's not much "meat" around the coolant ports so you only have 2-3mm of gasket material holding back the pressurized coolant.

 

[Broo]

I also have a 3.0 Vulcan in my '06 Ranger. Engine seems solid, it's everything around it that is falling down. I don't really mind the truck being slow, but the MPGs are really bad for the engine's size & power.

I'm also not aware of an oiling issue. On mine, the manual and the oil cap call for 5w20.