| Vulcan V6 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Type: | 60° V6 |
| Production: | 1986–present |
| Predecessor: | Cologne 2.9 |
| Successor: | Duratec 30 |
| Bore: | 3.504 in (89.0 mm) |
| Stroke: | 3.15 in (80.0 mm) |
| Displacement: | 182 in³ (2,986 cc) |
| Block alloy: | Iron |
| Head alloy: | Iron |
| Valvetrain: | Pushrod |
| Fuel type: | Gasoline Ethanol |
The Ford Vulcan V6 is a 3.0 L (2986.7 cc/182 in³), 60° V6 engine, first introduced for the 1986 model year and originally designed to be the optional engine in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. In 1988, it became the standard engine for the Taurus, and was the only engine available in the Taurus' last years. It has also been used in the Ford Probe, the Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz from 1992 to 1994 (optional, but standard in the 1992-only GLS, XR5, and LTS models), the Ford Aerostar and Ford Windstar minivans, and the Ford Ranger and Mazda B3000 pickup trucks; it replaced the Cologne 2.9 engine (which it is not related to) as the base V6 in the Ranger. The Vulcan was a clean-sheet design using the metric system. The engine block is built by Sherwood Metal Products, the intake comes from Ford's Essex Casting, and the engine is assembled at Ford's Lima Engine plant in Lima, Ohio. The Vulcan is a straightforward pushrod design, with 2 valves per cylinder. Bore is 3.504 in (89 mm) and stroke is 3.15 in (80.0 mm). The engine was designed to use electronic fuel injection from the start (there was never a carburetor-equipped version), and was also sold in a "flexible fuel" configuration that could burn normal gasoline, E85 (a blend of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol) or any mixture of these two fuels. In 1991, it was updated with lower-friction pistons, a strengthened block, roller camshaft and other changes that resulted in a power rating of 145 hp (108 kW) and a torque rating of 160 ft·lbf (216 Nm). In 1998 further improvements were made, with a new intake manifold, changes in engine management and cam timing; output was further increased to 155 hp (115 kW) and 185 ft·lbf (251 Nm). A plastic upper intake was added in 2001. It is likely that Ford chose this name in homage to Vulcan, the mythological Roman god of fire and iron-working, as the engine is a fully cast iron design. This engine has become very well-known for its durability, and is common to find engines running strong at 300,000 miles and beyond. The Vulcan is now used only in the Ranger, which has been scheduled to end production in 2008. Applications:
- 1986-1997 Ford Aerostar
- 1986-2007 Ford Taurus
- 1986-2005 Mercury Sable
- 1990-1992 Ford Probe
- 1991-present Ford Ranger
- 1992-1994 Ford Tempo
- 1992-1994 Mercury Topaz
- 1994-present Mazda B-3000
- 1995-2003 Ford Windstar
