Ford Cologne 2.9L V-6 Engine

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Categories: Cylinder Head Tips

History of the Ford Cologne 2.9L V-6 Engine

Over 35 years ago, Ford Motor Company produced its 2.9L V-6 engine in Cologne, Germany. Prior to its wide-spreading popularity in North America, the 2.9L V-6 engine was intended and used in European vehicles. Between German markets and British markets, the engine was replacing other competitors in the market. Its versatile use in makes and models quickly grew the engine’s popularity in North American markets. As for the specifics of the engine, in comparison to the 2.8L engine, the 2.9L engine underwent minor changes and improvements.

The 2.9L engine had a chain-driven camshaft instead of the previous gear-driven version in the 2.8L engine. In order to improve the faulty “Hot Spot” feature in the exhaust valves, the 2.9L arranged them differently. The success of the Ford 2.9 engine can be accredited to the way it replaced its former 2.8L engine. While only undergoing minor changes, the 2.9L was able to keep the favorite features of the 2.8L and improve its setbacks. With the proper care, this engine is still able to power these older ‘86 vehicles.

 

 

What Other Names Does the Ford Cologne 2.9L V-6 Engine Go By?

Looking to replace or repair your Ford 2.9 engine but don’t know all the names it goes by? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below we have listed the most common names we hear at Clearwater Cylinder Head as well as on the internet.

  1. Ford Cologne 2.9L V-6
  2. 2.9L V-6
  3. Cologne V-6
  4. North American 2.9

While the more commonly known main names are the first two options, the other two are some short-hand versions interchangeably used. When looking to replace or repair the engine, it not only helps to know the name of the engine but what models use the engine.

 

 

What Vehicles Use This Engine?

Between the North American market and the European market, the Ford Cologne 2.9L V-6 engine has a variety of vehicles available for application. The 2.9L V-6 is compatible with the following vehicles:

  • TVR S2/S3(C)/S4C
  • Ford Bronco II
  • Ford Ranger
  • Ford Sierra XR 4X4
  • Ford Granada
  • Ford Scorpio
  • Ford Transit
  • Merkur Scorpio
  • Panther Kallista

Of these models, the most popular vehicle to use the 2.9L V-6 is the Ford Ranger and Ford Bronco II. Still to this day, some drivers have the original 1986 2.9L V-6 engine running in their Ford Ranger. As impressive as that is, a big factor in its longevity lies in the maintenance.

 

 

How to Maintain the 2.9L V-6?

No matter how good an engine is, it only runs as well as it is taken care of. The quality of your vehicle and drive will operate smoother if you put the effort into maintaining the engine’s life. Whether you have the 2.9L V-6 engine or not, here are Clearwater Cylinder Head’s top tips for maintaining the 2.9L V-6 engine (and all other engines)!

  1. Change Oil and Filters. Since oil is the main lubricant for the engine’s functions, it is important to get it changed frequently to prevent overheating. Filters need to be changed out just as frequently to ensure debris and dirt stay away from the engine.
  2. Check for Leaks. Save your fluids and future damage by catching oil and antifreeze leaks fast.
  3. Drive at a Constant Level. Revving the engine or stopping hard is tough on the engine. Extend the engine’s longevity by driving at a leveled speed.

 

 

High Mileage Stories with the Ford Cologne 2.9L V-6

Despite being an older engine for older models, the Ford Cologne 2.9L V-6 engine has durability if shown the proper care. Since it is older, there are fewer stories told on the internet of drivers’ high mileage stories with this engine. Users on Ford Muscle Forums have listed their records for high mileages with the 2.9L V-6 engine. User 64 TBOLT claims to have 490,000 miles on his original engine with only minor maintenance (plugs, wires, water pump, and clutches). His engine extended life can be thanked and credited to regular oil changes with full synthetic oil. Another user, Kevin67, bought his 86’ Ranger with the 2.9L V-6 engine with 52,000 miles originally on it. 8 years later, Kevin sold it with 148,000 miles and was later informed the buyer was able to drive it past 200,000 miles.  Both users have impressive high mileage stories since most engines are designed to last only 100,000 miles. It just shows how important it is to check and maintain your engine. Like any engine, the Ford Cologne 2.9L V-6 engine can have some issues, but with the right care, this engine can survive the miles.

Read more about the users’ experiences with their 2.9L V-6 engine at the forum link below.

https://www.fordmuscleforums.com/threads/comments-on-2-9l-v6.424625/

 

 

Ford 2.9L V-6 Engine Fail: What Went Wrong Youtube Video

Watch the video below for a great teardown video of the Ford 2.9L V-6 engine to determine what went wrong with the engine. Kyle’s Garage gives an in-depth explanation of key elements to look out for with engine failure with the 2.9L V-6.

 

 

Common Engine Problems

Since the original Ford 2.9L engine had an older design, the North American models were experiencing reliability issues. Similar to most engine problems, the older designed Ford 2.9L engine experienced cylinder head cracking as well as overheating. In high mileage vehicles or poorly managed vehicles, many reported having a valve train noise emitted from the engine due to leaky valves and oiling problems. After undergoing redesigning for the 1989 model year, most of their reliability issues were resolved.

Refer to the image below to see the comparison of the old Ford 2.9L engine vs the improved version. There is visible improvement just in the valve covers and new rectangular-shaped rocker pedestals. The improved models can be recognized by their “89TM” imprint. While the changes were by no means the best in the market, they were able to make these engines more reliable and easier to maintain.

 

 

Video on a Key Visual to Knowing When Your 2.9L V-6 Engine is Done

 

 

Clearwater Cylinder Head | Now-Selling Ford 2.9 V-6 Cylinder Heads

Clearwater Cylinder Head is excited to offer new fits for the Ford Ranger Bronco II 2.9 OHV V-6 Cylinder Head! With limited supply in stock, we suggest securing your new cylinder head today. Check out the links below to find out the specifics of each head.

1 NEW FITS FORD RANGER BRONCO II 2.9 OHV V-6 CYLINDER HEAD 86TM 86-92 NO CORE

1 NEW FITS FORD Ranger Bronco II 2.9 OHV V6 CYLINDER (cylinder-heads.com)

2 NEW FITS FORD RANGER BRONCO II 2.9 OHV V-6 CYLINDER HEADS 86TM 86-92 NO CORE

2 NEW FITS FORD Ranger Bronco II 2.9 OHV V6 CYLINDER HEAD (cylinder-heads.com)

 

 

Buy Replacement Heads at Clearwater Cylinder Head

With over 50,000 happy clients and 25+ years of business, Clearwater Cylinder Head prioritizes customer satisfaction through our top-quality cylinder heads. Just like the high mileage stories, we are all about producing a reliable product that is worth your money. Our employees are dedicated to manufacturing, inspecting, restoring, and replacing cylinder heads on all vehicles. If you are looking for a replacement cylinder head or just an inspection, then Clearwater Cylinder Head is the place to call. Our team is happy to assist you with any questions regarding cylinder head selection.

Please call us to inquire about new cylinder heads for your vehicle by calling us toll-free at 1-800-572-1963. We look forward to serving you!

 

1 NEW FITS FORD Ranger Bronco II 2.9 OHV V6 CYLINDER HEAD 86TM 86-92 NO CORE

2 NEW FITS FORD Ranger Bronco II 2.9 OHV V6 CYLINDER HEADS 86TM 86-92 NO CORE