How do I know how bad an engine is locked up?

[Sigpros]

Back story. I just bought a 99 ranger with a 3.0 in it. 192k on it. The owner said his son was driving it and it quit and wouldn’t start. He took it to a shop and they said the motor was locked up. If you pull the dipstick the oil is old but not milky and radiator has coolant and so does the overflow tank. When you try and start it it just thuds. Is there anything I should try and see if we can free it up? Or lost cause? I bought the truck for a parts truck for my sons 97. He needs the bed and it has brand new tires and brakes all the way around plus a good radio and speakers and a new battery.

 

[Sigpros]

This side looks wet. Didn’t know if it lost a head gasket or what? Not sure what 3.0 we have. And didn’t know if it was worth letting my son wrench on and see if he could get it going or not?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

It could be a variety of reasons why it's locked up. I think it's a good learning opportunity if you and him have time.

 

[bobbywalter]

dizzz ahhh zzembowl

#5 is alive.

 

[Uncle Gump]

3.0L are kinda known for the cam synchronizer locking up. This twists the oil pump driveshaft into two pieces and engine loses oil pressure.

If you think it's a head gasket... pull the plugs and see if it will turn over and push coolant from the cylinders.

But my guess is it lost oil pressure and locked up.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

3.0L are kinda known for the cam synchronizer locking up. This twists the oil pump driveshaft into two pieces and engine loses oil pressure.

If you think it's a head gasket... pull the plugs and see if it will turn over and push coolant from the cylinders.

But my guess is it lost oil pressure and locked up.

.....and the 2.9 gets shit about head failure?!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

.....and the 2.9 gets shit about head failure?!

We only rag on 2.9s when you or PJ are on site. The rest of the time we think they're great...

 

[dvdswan]

Pull off the belt and try and turn the crank bolt. If it turns over then one of the accessories are locked up.